The first College Football Playoff rankings were released tonight, and the Louisville football team landed at No. 15. The Cards enter week 11 at 7-1 and in an excellent position to win the ACC, and the CFP rankings just revealed they are in a fighting position for a playoff spot.
The ACC had just absolute chaos in Week 10, and the College Football Playoff rankings just made it crystal clear that the Cards are setting themselves up to return to the ACC Championship game. Louisville is battling for one of those top two spots, and with these rankings, the Cardinals fans quickly realized that if they want to be in the playoffs, they must win the ACC.
CFP rankings makes it clear Louisville must win the ACC
The College Football Playoff rankings are here and after the first week, fans are concluding that more than likley only one ACC team will get in. Louisville is the second-highest ACC team after the Week 10 chaos, as Virginia is ranked No. 14, and the Cards are right behind the Cavaliers at No. 15.
Behind the top two teams, Louisville's strength of schedule is fully evident, as Miami is ranked No. 18 and Pitt is ranked No. 24. The only other ACC team in the first CFP rankings is Georgia Tech, which is ranked No. 17.
The SEC and Big 10 dominated the top 15, with the two conferences having nine of the 15 teams in the top 15. These CFP rankings reveal that the Cardinals not only have to make it to Charlotte, but they also have to win the big game. There are four two-loss teams ranked ahead of the Cardinals, raising the stakes for every game the remainder of the season. Louisville has never won the ACC Title, and these rankings make it clear that if they want a spot in the College Football Playoffs, they have to win the ACC. While the majority of fans may have already known that, this was the confirmation the fans needed.
The Cardinals currently have the best odds to make it to the CFP from the ACC, according to FanDuel, with +164 odds. The Cardinals are on the outside looking in as these first rankings stand, but it is clear Louisville's CFP path is clear. They must win out and win the ACC Championship game.