CLEMSON – Clemson saw its season take a major hit on Saturday night.

While the 11th ranked Tigers fell at home 33-21 to Louisville, the final score was not indicative of exactly how thoroughly the Cardinals beat a Clemson team that came in riding a six-game winning streak.

It was the first time ever that the Tigers have lost to Louisville and the first time the Tigers have dropped a night game at home since 2013. It also marked just the second time that a Dabo Swinney coached team has lost a game when they had more than 200 yards passing and 200 yards rushing.

What makes the loss even more frustrating was the fact that Clemson ran more than 100 plays, and controlled the clock by possessing the ball for almost 38 minutes. The Tigers had 12 more first downs than the Cardinals and were a combined 16-of-29 on third and fourth down.

Just looking at the numbers the Clemson offense put up, one might assume the Tigers had won rather handily. However, that wasn’t the case. The offense struggled to get into a rhythm for much of the night and afterwards a visibly frustrated Cade Klubnik was pretty blunt with his feelings on the performance.

“We’re pissed because we lost,” Klubnik said. “I’m pissed. Because we have given so much. It’s just not acceptable. In our execution, in our effort. In my play and everybody’s play. It wasn’t like us. Just pissed. Not even sad. Just mad.”

Coming into the night, not only were the Tigers in control of their own destiny for a berth in ACC Championship Game, they were also squarely in the mix for a berth in the College Football Playoff. Saturday night’s defeat means Clemson now needs help to reach either of those goals. And a lot of it.

Klubnik readily admits this team missed a golden opportunity on Saturday night and all they can do now is go back to work to get ready for a road game at Virginia Tech and to not worry about the things that are now out of their control.

“Missed opportunity,” Klubnik said. “And to show up next week. That is really it.”

“They did everything we were expecting. Got to go execute. Self-inflicted wounds, at times. They beat us on some plays and they wanted it a little more at times but definitely some self-inflicted wounds.”

With the loss, Clemson is now one game back of both Miami and SMU in the loss column in the ACC. With just two ACC games remaining, there is no more margin for error, but Klubnik was adamant that this team won’t give up.

“I think anything can happen,” Klubnik added. “Our next goal is just going up to Virginia Tech and winning that game.”

A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!