By james art 
Clemson’s disappointing performance on Saturday may have eliminated them from the College Football Playoff race.
Depending on how things play out over the next few weeks, Clemson could still make the ACC title game, but they’re putting themselves in a much worse position than they were just a few days ago.
That’s the unfortunate reality of the college football world now that even though there’s a 12-team playoff picture, the teams still have to be perfect.
Clemson wasn’t that on Saturday, giving up 33 points to a Louisville team that shouldn’t have been on the same field as them. Defensively, it was one of the worst games Clemson has played all year, as they allowed 151 yards on the ground to Isaac Brown on just 20 carries.
Multiple players and coaches were at fault, including potential first-round pick Barrett Carter. If Carter wants to be the player he wants to be in the NFL, the young man needs to improve a little further.
He had plenty of impressive performances in college, but over the past three games, he’s combined for nine total tackles and had just one against Louisville.
He was a big part of the reason the Cardinals had the on-field success they did.
Despite Saturday’s poor performance, he is expected to be the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He will likely hear his name called in the first round if things go according to plan.
Bleacher Report’s NFL scouting department believes so, too, mocking him against the Chicago Bears on Monday.
“Tremaine Edmonds and TJ Edwards aren’t playing well this year, and Edmonds is only signed through 2026, while Edwards’ contract expires in 2025. In other words, Ryan Paules could be looking at this year’s quarterback class and the Clemson product Overall, Carter has a chance to become a complete NFL linebacker if his ability to run and throw improves and his instincts against the run become more consistent as a ‘SAM’ linebacker with his ability to cover and take on blocks against tight ends.”
If Carter gets back to his ways and does what every Clemson fan knows he can do, the Bears will get an excellent player who wants to win.
He might also enjoy playing in Chicago, as they have a promising team with a chance to win for the foreseeable future.
For now, the Georgia native will try to help his Clemson team reach the top, which may not be possible after Saturday.