Now that ninth-ranked Clemson has successfully navigated itself through back-to-back blowout victories in its unclassified “preseason games” the real season begins this coming Thursday when the Tigers travel to Louisville for its ACC opener.

“I wish we had one more day,” defensive coordinator Brent Venables said following Clemson’s 41-10 victory over Appalachian State on Saturday. “It’s sitting in front of you. You really don’t … whether you like it or not, it doesn’t really matter, it’s coming. We have to find a way to continue to get better and be ready to play at a high level.”

Louisville, who was picked to challenge the Tigers and sixth-ranked Florida State in the ACC Atlantic Division race, has uncharacteristically gotten off to a 0-2 start following its 34-31 loss to Houston on Saturday.

The Cardinals had four turnovers and nine penalties for 80 yards in the loss. Houston quarterback Greg Ward, Jr. threw for 236 yards on 23 of 33 passing against the Louisville defense. He threw three touchdown passes, including two in the decisive fourth quarter, and the game-winner to Demarcus Ayers with 3:09 to play.

“Louisville is a team that could very easily be 2-0, but for them it was two non-conference games. It’s the same thing for them. They have not lost anything in this conference so we know we will get their best effort,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said.

The Tigers (2-0) will have to be ready with only four days to prepare for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPN. This isn’t the first time the Clemson coaching staff has to adjust to a quick turnaround, and get its team prepared to play in just five days.

Clemson beat Wake Forest, 42-13, in a Thursday night road game on just five days rest in 2012.

“Coach Swinney has been through it, and I know (the coaches) will do everything they can do to have us prepared,” quarterback Deshaun Watson said. “It’s going to be a great ride, and I’m looking forward to it.”

So is Louisville. After losing back-to-back heartbreakers to open the season, it will be hungry and desperate to get a win against a top-10 Clemson team that will be hitting the road for the first time this season.

“The most dangerous dog is a wounded dog and Louisville is certainly that and is very talented, incredibly well coached and playing at their place in a short week,” Venables said. “It is setting up just perfect, right?”

Clemson will have a lite practice this afternoon and then will go hard on Monday and Tuesday before having another lite practice on Wednesday when they will depart for Louisville.

“It’s going to be a quick turnaround, but we will be prepared. The team is going to have a mental edge to be prepared for that,” offensive tackle Eric Mac Lain said.