Bedlam in the ACC: No. 11 Clemson Falls to Cardinals

© Ken Ruinard - Imagn Images

The Louisville Cardinals (6-3, 4-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) snapped an eight-game losing streak against the Clemson Tigers (6-2, 5-1), winning 33-21 and quieting Death Valley on Nov. 2. The Cardinals’ offense controlled the game on the ground, as running back Isaac Brown made defenders miss all game. The Cardinals’ defense made every yard difficult for the Tigers, leaving Clemson fans angry in another crazy ACC game.

Cardinals Run the Valley

A jaunt through Death Valley is typically met with jeers and a rowdy Tiger defense. While the sellout crowd did their job in the first half, the Tigers’ defense forgot how to tackle. The Cardinals struck the scoreboard first with a field goal on their second drive. Clemson responded with a strong 11-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a 12-yard reception from Klubnik to receiver Antonio Brown, putting the Tigers up 7-3.

The second quarter began with both teams exchanging punts. Louisville opened their second drive with a 23-yard run by Brown that fueled their drive to the end zone. Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough would find the end zone with his legs and make the score Cardinals 10, Tigers 7. Clemson answered with another strong drive, this time with a 10-play, 50-yard drive. Clemson would settle for a field goal but the Cardinals’ Stanquan Clark blocked the attempt. The Cardinals offense scored in 6 plays, behind another 23-yard run by Brown who eluded Clemson’s entire secondary to get the ball down to the Tigers’ 5-yard line. Backup running back Keyjuan Brown would run the ball in on the next play to put Louisville up 17-7 at halftime. 

Kick, Push, Coast

The third quarter belonged to Louisville and kicker Brock Travelstead. Travelstead capitalized on every scoring opportunity, helping the Cardinals extend their halftime lead. Travelstead connected on all three of his attempts making the score Cardinals 26, Clemson 7.

The Tigers failed to score in the third quarter for only the second time this season and the Cardinals’ defensive line deserves the credit. The defensive line was able to create pressure in the backfield when they needed it most. They had two big fourth-and-1 stops and created the push to get two field goal blocks. Not only did that keep Clemson off the scoreboard but it also halted any momentum the Tigers had built up. The two blocked field goals gives Louisville five on the year.

The Tigers offense finally put a promising drive together in the fourth quarter. It was a 16-play drive dominated by running back Phil Mafah and made the score 26-14, Cardinals. The only problem with the drive is it took too much time off the clock as Clemson casually coasted around the field with a crowd-confusing lack of urgency. The drive was met with cheers and boos as fans seemed to notice the need to move faster well before the Tigers.

Louisville was undeterred by the touchdown. After a failed onside kick by Clemson, The Cardinals responded with a one-play, 45-yard run for a touchdown by Brown, putting more distance between the two teams. This made the score, Louisville 33, Clemson 14 with just under six minutes left.

Clemson would drive down and score on another belaboring drive, accounting for 12 plays and burning three minutes off the game clock. There seemed to be some urgency during this drive but much too late for it to matter. The Tigers final touchdown made the final score 33-21, Louisville.

Players of the Game

K Brock Travelstead (4/5 FGs, 3/3 Extra Points, 15 Points)

Travelstead was called on often and connected on critical scoring opportunities all night for the Cardinals. His timely kicks kept the momentum in Louisville’s favor and a perfect third quarter highlighted the day for the senior kicker.

RB Isaac Brown (20 Car, 151 Yards, 1 TD)

Brown showed why he is a top 10 back in the ACC. He matched his 7.5 season average in this game, and his elusiveness caused problems for the Clemson defense all night.

© Ken Ruinard - Imagn Images

Looking Ahead 

Louisville is bowl-eligible and headed into a bye week. The Cardinals’ toughest remaining opponent is No. 18 Pitt (7-1, 3-1) who will be ranked lower after losing to No. 20 SMU (8-1, 5-0) on Nov. 2.

Clemson still has a path to the ACC title. They will need help from SMU or No. 5 Miami (8-0, 5-0) and must avoid another conference loss. With upcoming games against Virginia Tech (5-4, 3-2), Pitt and little brother South Carolina (5-3, 3-3), Clemson will have to bring their best each week.