Clemson vs Louisville: Why This Game Will Be Close...Again

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Sept. 16th

Game Time: 8 p.m. E.T.

Venue:

Network: ABC

Radio: Louisville Sports Properties; Clemson Radio Network

Clemson will have their first road test this season, Saturday against Louisville. This highly anticipated game is being advertised as a match-up between two power forces. It's reigning the Heisman winner Lamar Jackson against the defending National Champions. It's the defense that racked up 11 sacks last weekend against 17th-ranked Auburn versus the guy with 1,010 total yards of offense and eight touchdowns. It's ESPN's College GameDay.

Since joining the ACC in 2014, the outcome to this quickly forming rivalry has been decided by six points or less, with Louisville 0-3. Last year, Jackson put on an impressive display in the second half to overcome a 28-10 deficit, but ultimately came up a yard shy on a fourth-down pass near Clemson's end zone to lose 36-42. Needless to say, the Cardinals will be eager to beat the Tigers at home Saturday.

KEY FACTORS: Top Defense vs Top Offense

Clemson's defense has yet to allow a touchdown this season. In two games, they've only allowed one gain of 20-plus yards. Including sacks, last week Auburn gained a total of seven net yards in 35 pass attempts. Clemson also had 11 sacks against Auburn last week. The Tigers are currently ranked second in total defense allowing 118.5 yards per game.

Louisville is No. 5 in the nation in total offense at 614.5 yards per game. A big part of that is by way of Lamar Jackson. He leads the country in total yards, averaging 505 yards per game (he's thrown for 771 yards and rushed for 246). That number is better than 104 teams, including Clemson. On top of that, he has markedly improved both his passing accuracy and decision-making, completing 65 percent of his passes - an increase of 8.5 percentage points over last season.

"Lamar Jackson is an unbelievable player and fun to watch," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. "He's not fun to prepare for and not fun to play against. I'd much prefer to watch him, I enjoy that a lot better, but we've got our hands full with this guy."

KEY PLAYERS

Clemson: It's no secret the key player in this game for Clemson will be Kelly Bryant. After having a great game against an out-manned Kent St to mostly being shut down by a tenacious Auburn defense, it's hard to say how good Kelly Bryant really is. It doesn't help that offensive co-coordinators Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott have been in "keep plays simple for new QB" mode and have yet to fully open the playbook for the young quarterback. Last week, Clemson gained 172 of its 281 yards on two drives — the last one of the second quarter and the first one of the third. Bryant threw nearly half his passes in that span as well. For the Tigers to win, Bryant will need to more consistent and assertive with the ball.

Louisville: It's already been said that Lamar Jackson is still just as good, if not better, than he was last season. However, for Louisville to pull off an upset, it's the offensive line that needs to step up. So far this season they've only allowed two sacks. They will need to continue to hold the line and protect Jackson from a Clemson defense ranked second in sacks. The Cardinals will also need to establish a run game outside of Lamar Jackson. Clemson will try to contain Jackson and force him to pass or give the ball away. If Louisville can get Malik Williams going, it will open up the offense for Lamar Jackson. Otherwise he will be forced to make plays with a limited offense.

PREDICTION

Last year's match-up was decided in the final moments, and this year's rematch will not be much different. Expect Clemson's offense to struggle early, but their defense will be able to keep them in the game. Louisville defense will be better than Kent St, but not as good as what the Tigers faced last week against Auburn. Clemson's offense was just successful enough to come away with the close win. However, because of Lamar Jackson's ability to make plays and score quickly, the Tigers' offense will need to find their rhythm sooner rather than later. They will also need to hold on to the ball, as five turnovers last year led to the Cardinals second half rally. Louisville will need more than the athleticism of Lamar Jackson to win this game, which is why they will fall just short again.

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