CLEMSON — Clemson heads to Louisville for a Friday night showdown against the No. 20 Cardinals, in what will represent the Tigers’ final ACC game of the season.
Clemson (4-5, 3-4 ACC) has only played three Friday night games in the Dabo Swinney era, with the Tigers holding a 2-1 mark in those contests. The only loss came in 2017 at Syracuse.
Louisville (7-2, 4-2) comes in fresh off a 29-26 upset loss at home to Cal in overtime, while Clemson knocked off Florida State 24-10 last weekend. For the first time all season, the Tigers are an underdog, with the Cardinals currently a 3-point favorite.
5 Things to Watch For
1. Looking to Atone: The Cardinals came into Death Valley last season and absolutely thumped the Tigers in a defensive performance Swinney referred to as “embarrassing” during his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
It was the first time Louisville had ever beaten Clemson, as the Cardinals snapped a nine-game losing streak in the series. The Cardinals have still never beaten the Tigers at home, and that is something Jeff Brohm’s team would love to do. While Clemson is not the national title contender many were predicting the team to be this season, a win over the Tigers still carries some cache, particularly in the ACC.
However, while Louisville wants this one for multiple reasons, Clemson wants it just as badly. Most of the players on this team were here for that dismal effort last November, and not only do the Tigers need two more wins to become bowl eligible, this team also wants to atone for what transpired against Louisville last season.
2. Stop the Run: Louisville ran right over and through the Tigers’ defense, totaling well over 200 yards on the ground. 151 of those came from running back Isaac Brown, who was injured against Virginia Tech and is out. Backup Keyjuan Brown has filled that void nicely, rushing for 136 yards and averaging right at 10 yards per carry in the loss to Cal.
Brohm is one of the brightest offensive minds in the country. The Cardinals really lean on getting the defense to play undisciplined, and let’s face it, this Clemson defense has not been all that disciplined at times this season. Playing assignment football and having their eyes in the right places will be a huge key for Tom Allen’s unit.
The Tigers’ run defense is much improved this season, allowing just 3.6 yards per carry, but the group has been susceptible to giving up the chunk plays, something Louisville thrives on.
3. Ascending Klubnik: While it took a little while for Cade Klubnik to get it going, the senior quarterback has been extremely good over his last four starts. Since the start of October, Klubnik has completed 91-of-117 passes (77.8 percent) for 1,140 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception for a pass efficiency rating of 180.5. Klubnik ranks third in the nation in pass efficiency rating since Oct. 1 among players with at least 100 pass attempts in that span.
If Clemson is going to have any shot at coming away victorious, it starts with the play of its quarterback. Klunbik’s decision-making will have to be on point, and he needs to protect the football.
4. Win the Turnover Battle: The Tigers finally won the margin last week for the first time in what feels like forever. Clemson forced a fumble and picked off a pass, while committing none.
Louisville quarterback Miller Moss has thrown seven interceptions this season, including one last week. The Cards have also lost six fumbles this season. The Tigers have only forced 10 turnovers all season.
5. Red Zone Efficiency: Clemson needs to be better in the red zone. The Tigers have scored touchdowns on just 18 of its 28 trips inside the red zone this season. You’d like to see those numbers be little better.
Fortunately, Louisville has been even worse, having scored touchdowns on just 17 of its 28 opportunities.
Whichever team is more productive inside the red zone likely wins.
Photo by Bart Boatwright