Louisville football enters ACC play 3–0 after sweeping its non-conference schedule. As the calendar shifts to the heart of the season, every one of the Cardinals’ goals remains in play. But with Louisville still outside the Top 25, there’s no guarantee an at-large bid would secure them a College Football Playoff spot. That reality makes winning the ACC Championship the most direct—and most crucial—path forward.
While the Cards can control their own destiny by running the table, several ACC programs have already positioned themselves as serious contenders for a December championship appearance. Meanwhile, Clemson—the preseason favorite—has stumbled to a 1–3 (0–2 ACC) start, all but eliminating themselves from the conversation.