THE Clemson Tigers I knew they were going to fall Associated Press Top 25 after falling to Louisville SATURDAY. The only question was how far?

Well, the Tigers learned Sunday afternoon that the Defeat 33-21 cost them eight places in the poll, as they went from #11 to #19.

It was the Tigers‘ biggest drop in the AP Top 25 since their Week 1 loss to Georgia. Before this game, the Tigers were No. 14 in the preseason poll and fell 11 spots to No. 25.

It’s also the second straight week the Tigers (6-2, 5-1 ACC) have fallen out of the Top 25. They fell two spots last week while inactive.

The Tigers now have bigger problems than the AP Top 25. With their loss to the Cardinals, the Tigers are no longer in control of their own destiny when it comes to the ACC championship game.

Before Saturday’s match, four teams were undefeated in the league. We were certain to fall from these ranks as Pitt went to EMS. The Mustangs – in their first year in the ACC – beat the Panthers 48-25 to remain undefeated in league play.

Miami did the same, beating Duke, 53-31.

So the Hurricanes (9-0, 5-0) and Mustangs (8-1, 5-0) now have a path to Charlotte that is within their control. Everyone only needs to win their three remaining league matches. It won’t be easy, but Clemson isn’t playing either. The Tigers will therefore not be able to derail either.

The best Clemson can do now is win its final two championship games – at Virginia Tech on November 9 and at Pitt on November 16. This would allow the Tigers to reach the championship finish line with just one loss. But they would be at the mercy of whatever might happen to the Hurricanes and Mustangs.

If both win, Clemson will be watching the ACC title game from afar for the second straight season.

Preseason/Week 1: No. 14

Week 2 (September 3): No. 25 (minus-11)

Week 3 (September 9): No. 22 (+3)

Week 4 (September 15): No. 21 (+1)

Week 5 (September 22): No. 17 (+4)

Week 6 (September 29): No. 15 (+2)

Week 7 (October 6): No. 10 (+5)

Week 8 (October 13): No. 10 (—)

Week 9 (October 20): No. 9 (+1)

Week 10 (October 27): No. 11 (-2)

Week 11 (November 3): No. 19 (-8)