Clemson vs Louisville: Q&A with Cardinal Sports Zone
The Clemson vs Louisville game is just a day away and we have some featured guests to give us some insight into what to expect out of the Cardinals Thursday.
The Clemson vs Louisville game is almost here and Tiger and Louisville fans alike are ready for kickoff. I had the privilege to feature some guests to give us some insight on what to expect out of the Cardinals. Joining me are Jeremy Wahman and Steve Rummage from Cardinal Sports Zone, one of the leading experts on Louisville football and basketball. Steve Rummage also is the host of the Cardinal Sports Zone Radio Show that airs on ESPN 93.9 The Ville every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. I would encourage you to check out some of their stuff and listen into their show.
With that being said, let’s take a look at what Jeremy and Steve have to say about the Clemson vs Louisville match up on Thursday.
Q. It’s definitely been a surprise start for the Cardinals, what have been the main concerns of Louisville so far?
Jeremy: So far the concerns I have are 2-fold. The O-Line has been troubling and tackling. Our Defense is way too good to not be able to tackle. You have Rankins, Fields, JHC, Burgess and Kelsey that are tackling well but that’s about it. So those would be my main concerns. It is a surprise though because expectations were set so high. As young of a team as we have Offensively, I don’t think they should have been set so high even with the Defense we were hoping would live up to the hype.
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Q. Who will we see at the quarterback position this week? Will it be a mix of both Lamar and Bolin or will Coach Petrino choose one?
Steve: As of today (Tuesday) Petrino has not yet announced who will be under center for the Cards Thursday night. At Monday’s weekly conference Petrino did however sound very partial toward Bolin’s play as of late. I think there is 100% chance Clemson will see both Bolin and Jackson but as things stand right now I expect Kyle Bolin to take majority of the snaps.
Q. Even in this bad start, what are some things you have seen that you like from this team?
Jeremy: I like that despite the youth of the team, they appear to be handling the pressure well and are ready for the spotlight. We are so young on the offensive side of the ball and are still proficient scoring the ball even though the qb has to run for his life at times. lol
Q. Home field advantage on a Thursday night on national television. What can Clemson fans expect that are making the trip up to Louisville for the first time as far atmosphere goes?
Steve: Louisville has built a solid football atmosphere in Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium over the years but if there is one thing they pride themselves on it’s the Thursday night time slot. Games like West Virginia in 06, Florida State in 02, and even last season in a loss to Florida St. would rank in any Louisville fans list of top five atmospheres. The Cards don’t have a perfect record on Thursday nights but there always seems to be a little magic in the air.
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Q. What are some things that Tiger fans will not want to miss as they make the trip up to Louisville? (i.e places to visit, sites to see, things to do, traditions, etc.)
Jeremy: You have to visit the Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby museum. Also go check out the Louisville Slugger Museum. There’s a bat there at the museum. It’s 120 feet tall and 68,000 pounds! Got to grab a bite to eat at Smash-burger at 4th street live or The Old Spaghetti Factory. What we are known for is tailgating. We are a very friendly group that loves to eat and be merry with other fan bases that like to do the same thing.
Q. What are some advantages/disadvantages you see in this game?
Steve: I believe the Cards will have an advantage with their front seven. Louisville will bring a crop of DL and LB that will all play on Sundays at some point in the future against a Clemson OL that lost a lot from last season and has suffered its share of injuries this season. Look for the Cards to bring pressure early and often.
Now for as much as I have bragged on the front seven I worry the Cards DB’s will have trouble with Watson who could be the nation’s best QB. Louisville has talent in the secondary with Shaq Wiggins,Josh Harvey-Clemons, and Chucky Williams, but the other side of the field has been prone to giving up big plays. For the Cards to come away with a victory Thursday night they are going to have to limit the big plays from a Clemson offense that is making a living on doing just that. That is something I’m just not sure Louisville can do.
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Q. Who are some players from Louisville for us to keep our eye on? (Guys that we may not know a lot about, but will make an impact)
Jeremy: J’aire Alexander & Mickey Crum are my newcomer impact players. Last year I picked Brandon Radcliff & Gerod Holliman, Hope they meet those expectations! J’aire will not only play well on the defensive side but will be key in our return game this week. Mickey is just a great big moving target. Runs routes well and if you focus on the other guys, Mickey is going to benefit in a big way!
Q. What are your predictions for this game?
Steve: 31-28 Louisville. I think Louisville sitting at 0-2 will come out with the urgency knowing they need this one. This will be Clemson’s first true test of the season and I think the Cards tap into that Thursday magic to get the win.
Jeremy: 28-27 Cards…I mean we have to catch a break soon…right?
I would like to thank both Jeremy and Steve for their time in joining me this week and taking some time for us Tiger fans to get acquainted with what we will see Thursday night in Louisville. I wish them the best of luck going forward and make sure you check back here on Rubbing the Rock as we continue to preview the Clemson vs Louisville game!