Nov 13 min read

Louisville, No. 11 Clemson Clash With Big ACC Stakes on Line

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik — © Alexander Hicks-Imagn Images

Head coach Dabo Swinney and the No. 11 Clemson Tigers (6-1, 5-0 ACC) will take center stage at 7:30 PM EST on Nov. 2 as they face off against the Louisville Cardinals (5-3, 3-2) and their high-octane offense. The Tigers are in the driver’s seat to the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship game, while the Cardinals seek to cause a little chaos while becoming bowl-eligible. Can the Tigers avoid the scare on Halloween weekend at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C.?

Clemson Ground Control

The Tigers have one of the more balanced offensive attacks this season. Quarterback Cade Klubnik has attacked secondaries to the tune of 1,836 yards. Once secondaries are sick of chasing wide receiver Antonio Williams around, they get the pleasure of trying to tackle running back Phil Mafah. Mafah is a strong back with great vision and sure hands and Clemson should take advantage of those skills this week.

Keeping the ball in Mafah’s hands will control the clock and the flow of this game. Despite Louisville’s two losses, they can score quickly against anyone. Keeping them off the field as much as possible will help keep the Tigers’ defense fresh, allowing them to keep up with the shifty Louisville receivers.

Clemson’s Keys

Phil Mafah, RB

Mafah and the offensive line must establish the run in this game. Clemson is talented enough to score points, but getting into a shootout with Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough is not worth the risk. Once the Tigers establish a lead, they should build on it gradually by leaning on Mafah and keeping the clock ticking.

Clemson RB Phil Mafah — © Alexander Hicks-Imagn Images

Defense

Clemson’s defense has played well this season and is top 3 in the ACC in passing yards allowed. However, they have not faced a quarterback as talented as Shough. Whether through pressure or blanket coverage, if the Tigers' defense does not contain this offense, then it will be a long night in Memorial Stadium.

Cardinals Air Raid

The Cardinals’ offense has been superb this season. The tandem of Tyler Shough and wideout Ja’Corey Brooks has left secondaries confused all season. Brooks leads the ACC with 799 receiving yards and is sixth in the NCAA with 8 touchdowns. His ability to navigate a secondary has lifted the Cardinals’ offense and his draft status.

Shough has been a breath of fresh air for Louisville. The senior transfer from Oregon has helped the Cardinals’ offense average 460 yards and 36.6 points per game. Louisville must aggressively attack the Tigers’ secondary as they have not been challenged since Week 1 against Carson Beck and Georgia. While Georgia may be a better team than Louisville, Beck is no Shough. Shough and the receiving corps will give the Cardinals a chance to win.

Louisville’s Keys

Tyler Shough, QB

Shough is a highlight reel on the field and his big arm and dynamic game play earned his candidacy for the 2024 Davey O’Brien Award. His ability to overcome the Clemson defense will give his team a great chance to win.

Defense

Fourteen points separate the Cardinals from being undefeated in the ACC. The Cardinals’ defense has played well this season, but not well enough during crunch time. The defense needs to keep Clemson out of the end zone to give themselves a chance. Giving up field goals will give them a great chance to shake up the conference power dynamic.

Quarterback Duel

There is no doubt that the quarterbacks are the stars of this game. Klubnik has been great this season leading Clemson with poise and accuracy. Klubnik is sixth in the ACC and has thrown for 20 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions this season. The Cardinals' secondary will have their hands full and Klubnik should have little trouble finding his plethora of receivers.

For Louisville, Shough has been electric in leading his squad to offensive dominance this season. Shough has also thrown 20 touchdowns this season and his 2,348 yards rank him the No. 9 passer in the NCAA and No. 3 in the ACC. He and Brooks must find any advantages they can this week to create big plays.

Expect these two signal-callers to create an exciting game this weekend, with Clemson coming out on top 38-34.