I know, this is not Lamar Jackson’s Louisville Cardinals coming to town on Saturday.

I know, No. 11 Clemson is a 10.5-point favorite heading into the game.

I know Louisville is just 5-3 and is not a top 10 team coming into Death Valley.

All these things are true. However, Saturday’s 7:30 p.m., kick at Memorial Stadium is huge for Clemson’s College Football Playoff resume. So, it’s important that the Tigers play well, win and impress the CFP Committee?

Why?

Well, for one, ESPN has convinced everyone that the SEC is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I understand the four-letter network has monetary reasons behind it, but the rest of the sports media does not always have to agree.

Form your own opinion for goodness’ sake.

If you watched and learned anything about college football this year, the SEC is not as good as it has been in past years.

That is why Clemson, unfortunately, has to look good at winning, even against good teams like Louisville. Just getting a win isn’t going to do it this year.

For example. Clemson has been jumped by an SEC team in the Associated Press Poll in each of the last three weeks, though the Tigers beat Wake Forest by 35 points on the road and then Virginia by 17 points at home.

However, because LSU beat Ole Miss at home, those Tigers jumped up five spots in the Associated Press poll, while Clemson stayed back at No. 10.

After Clemson’s win over Virginia, it moved up to No. 9. However, Tennessee jumped the Tigers and took over No. 7 because they beat Alabama.

Then this week, while on a bye, Clemson was jumped by Texas A&M in the AP Poll, while falling back two spots to No. 11. Who knew you could lose so bad in a bye week.

Like A&M, Notre Dame also moved up four spots and jumped the Tigers, as did undefeated BYU.

Clemson’s strength of schedule is not the greatest in the world, and in the grand scheme of things the AP poll does not matter. However, perception does, and right now everyone thinks the SEC is a great conference this year, while the ACC is weak.

I think the truth is somewhere in between, but perception is reality and if you don’t think the CFP Committee does not have that same perception, than you are not paying attention.

Saturday’s game against Louisville is an opportunity for Clemson to show itself to the playoff committee. Show them the current six-game win streak and beating its opponents the way they have it not a fluke.

The Tigers need to impress as much as they can because how they start in the CFP rankings is very important. If Clemson is too low in the rankings, moving up will be difficult considering it seems there is a quota for the number of SEC teams that have to be in the top 10.

True, Clemson will have more opportunities to impress in the weeks to come. The Tigers travel to Virginia Tech on Nov. 9 and to No. 18 Pitt on Nov. 16.

They will have an opportunity to impress the committee against South Carolina, too, who has already beaten and given others in the SEC issues this year.

I know there is an automatic berth in place, just win out, win the ACC Championship Game and the Tigers are in. You are correct. However, it’s important for the Tigers to make sure they are already in the playoff no matter what happens in Charlotte on Dec. 7.

There is no need to take any chances.