Clemson Football vs Louisville: 5 Players to Watch

Sep 5, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Wofford Terriers quarterback Evan Jacks (3) is brought down during the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Scott Pagano

I went back and forth as to who to pick on the defensive line. Honestly, Clemson football needs the entire defensive line to do well in order continue their dominance. At first, I was going to go with Shaq Lawson, but that just seems to be too obvious. I know sometimes, you have to say the obvious players, but this time I’m going with Scott Pagano.

Louisville has a quarterback controversy at the highest level right now. Coach Bobby Petrino may not even announce who his starter is until game time. That means the Tiger defense has to be ready for a lot of different scenarios in a game in which they had minimal time to prepare.

The defensive line will have to jobs: Provide excellent pass-rush and stop the run game. Scott Pagano will be instrumental in making this happen. Pagano, who is starting in place of the absent D.J. Reader, will need to step up and put some pressure on Louisville. He and the Clemson defensive line need to get pressure from the get-go and not let the Cardinals gain any type of momentum or confidence.

Next: The Secondary