Is this the year that Louisville football finally overcomes the Clemson curse?
Louisville football joined the ACC in 2014.
It has played Clemson 8 times since being accepted into the league.
Clemson has won every single matchup.
Now, to be fair, the Tigers have boasted one of the best programs in college football in the last decade.
In seasons that Louisville has played Clemson, the Tigers have lost 7 total regular season games- Less than 1 per year.
So, this Clemson problem is one that the entire league has experienced.
For Louisville football, however, it’s an obstacle that feels surmountable.
The close calls have been frequent in this series. The first-ever meeting between the Cardinals and Tigers saw four fourth-down plays inside the Clemson five-yard line fall short. A strikingly similar goal-line stand in 2021 led to another frustrating Clemson victory.
The 2016 edition of the series that featured a duel between Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson is considered one of the best games in the last 10 years. That, too, fell Clemson’s way as Louisville football couldn’t find the endzone in the waning seconds.
The series has been defined by close calls where Louisville simply couldn’t make a play at the end of the game to come away victorious.
But its also been defined by a consistent winning standard in Clemson, South Carolina that directly juxtaposes Louisville’s journey of highs in lows in ACC play.
Clemson has won games 47-21, 77-16, and 45-10 during some middling years for the Cards; Proving that a consistent winning culture more often trumps flash in the pan success.
A season ago, Clemson had its worst record in 13 years. Coincidentally, Louisville football won 10 games for the first time since joining the conference. Perhaps uncoincidentally, the Tigers were not on UofL’s schedule for the first time.
In 2024, the results have regressed toward the norm.
After falling flat in its opener against Georgia, Clemson has reeled off 6 straight wins against overmatched opponents.
Louisville, meanwhile, has lost three games- each by 7 points to ranked foes.
Can we expect a continued regression/ progression toward the norm or is this finally the year that Louisville football lands the final punch?
Let’s find out.
Who: Louisville (5-3, 3-2) at Clemson (6-1, 5-0)
Where: Memorial Stadium | Clemson, SC
When: Saturday November 2nd, 2024 at 7:30 PM
How to Watch: ESPN
How to Listen: 93.9 FM in Louisville
Series History: Clemson leads 8-0
Last Meeting: Clemson won 31-16 in 2022
Spread Check: Clemson -10.5 / Louisville +10.5
O/U: 62
Thread Check:
Clemson’s Path to 6-1
Wins:
66-20 vs App State
59-35 vs NC State
40-14 vs Stanford
29-13 at Florida State
49-14 at Wake Forest
48-31 vs Virginia
Losses:
31-7 vs Georgia (N)
Louisville’s Path to 5-3
Wins:
62-0 vs Austin Peay
49-14 vs Jacksonville St
31-19 vs Georgia Tech
24-20 at Virginia
31-27 at Boston College
Losses:
31-24 at Notre Dame
34-27 vs SMU
52-45 vs Miami
Keys to Victory
Set the tone early
If Louisville football is to win this game, it is paramount to jump out to an early lead.
Unlike comeback wins vs Virginia and Boston College, the Cardinals couldn’t stop high-powered foes SMU and Miami enough to go ahead.
Louisville’s defense is built to be able to pin its ears back and get after the quarterback.
However, when opponents have taken the lead, the offense’s quality second-half performances haven’t been enough when matched up against another great offense.
Louisville has rarely had a chance to play with a lead this season, and it has been to the detriment of the entire team.
Be assertive in the run game
This is an underrated storyline entering the game.
Clemson is allowing 4.2 yards per rush.
Conversely, Louisville running back Isaac Brown is leading the ACC with 7.5 yards per rush attempt.
Jeff Brohm and company typically want to throw to set up the run. But that gameplan may be the opposite on Saturday.
Predictions
Vince Lococo- Louisville +11.5
Jacob Lane- Louisville +11.5
Matt McGavic- Clemson -11.5
Keith Arutoff- Clemson -11.5
Tiger Net- Clemson 44, Louisville 28
Alexis Cubit, Courier-Journal- Clemson 42, Louisville 28
Pres’ Picks
I’ve not seen one prediction for Louisville football to win, or even be competitive in this game.
And while I think it’s unlikely that the Cards win this one, I think it will be closer than the experts think.
Clemson’s defense is not up to par with Dabo Swinney defenses of yesteryear and I think Louisville is able to take advantage of that.
With this being a night game in Death Valley, I think this UofL team comes in fully focused and Louisville’s stars see this game as an opportunity to show out on the national stage.
This game will come down to the turnover battle. If the Cards can be +1 or +2 in turnover margin, I think they have a legit chance to pull this one out.
Ultimately, however, it’s Death Valley. At night. Against a Clemson team coming off a bye.
Clemson 41, Louisville 35
Underdog Fantasy Play of the Day
Use code STARTINGFIVE to double your first deposit (up to $1k).
Isaac Brown HIGHER than 64.5 rushing yards
Isaac Brown HIGHER than 32.5 1H rushing yards
Phil Mafah HIGHER than 24.5 1Q rushing yards
Ja’Corey Brooks HIGHER than 85.5 receiving yards
