For the first time in a while, Clemson is entering a matchup with momentum.
The Tigers, 4-5, 3-4 ACC, are set to take on the No. 20 Louisville Cardinals, 7-2, 4-2 ACC, at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The Tigers have had a season to forget. However, they exhibited flashes of promise in last week’s matchup against Florida State at Death Valley, winning 24-10 under the lights.
On paper, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, Clemson has one of the most talented teams in college football. Offensively, Cade Klubnik, the senior signal caller, leads the charge for the Tigers with 2,136 yards and 14 touchdowns in the air thus far this year. Senior wide receiver Antonio Williams shows flashes of greatness anytime he steps on the field, putting up 62 yards and a touchdown in last week’s game.
T.J. Moore, the Tigers’ top receiver statistically, and Adam Randell, a walking touchdown, aid in the offensive effort and are always poised for a big play, with nine and six total touchdowns, respectively.
Louisville poses a threat to Clemson, but Dabo has known that for over a year. Last season, the Cardinals stunned the Tigers 33-21 in Death Valley.
Louisville’s current campaign is defined by a stunning 24-21 upset against No. 2 Miami in October. However, the team enters Friday’s matchup against Clemson fresh off a heartbreaking loss to the California Golden Bears.
A stout defense leads the Cardinals’ squad. Linebacker TJ Quinn tops the team in total tackles with 67. Overall, Louisville ranks 38th in points allowed, despite playing some tough competition.
On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Chris Bell has proven himself as one of the top receivers in the country, tallying 62 receptions for 792 yards and six touchdowns. On the ground, Isaac Brown has been one of the most unstoppable running backs in the country with an astounding 8.6 yards per carry on 91 touches.
According to Fox Sports, Louisville is currently favored at -2.5. However, at their best, both teams can play as well as any team in the country, making it anyone’s game in the ACC showdown.
Louisville is Clemson’s first ranked opponent since its season opener against LSU, making the team’s opportunity to avenge last year’s unit and clip the Cardinals’ wings an exciting prospect. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 p.m.
