Clemson Football 2017 Opponent Preview: Louisville
As the summer comes to a close and we enter fall camp, Rubbing The Rock will be taking a look at the Clemson Football program’s 2017 schedule. This edition features, the Tigers’ week 3 opponent, Louisville.
Since joining the Atlantic Coastal Conference in July of 2014, Louisville has given the Clemson football program fits. While the Cardinals are 0-3 versus the Tigers’ thus far, each of those three contests have been close. With Heisman trophy quarterback, Lamar Jackson, returning in 2017 the Cardinals will present problems for Clemson once again this season.
Current Head Coach: Bobby Petrino (4th year)
Overall Record in 2016: 9-4
This is Bobby Petrino’s second stop in Louisville as he was previously the head man there from 2003-2006. The only reason he came back was because of a scandal that cost him his job at the University of Arkansas. Despite his faults as a man, Petrino is one of the most brilliant play callers in the country.
Statistical leaders in 2016:
Passing – Lamar Jackson (Jr), 56.2 completion percentage, 3,543 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Rushing – Lamar Jackson (Jr), 260 attempts, 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Receiving – James Quick (NFL), 45 receptions, 769 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Tackles – Keith Kelsey (NFL), 92 total tackles, 48 solo.
Interceptions – Jaire Alexander (Jr), 5.
Sacks – James Hearns (Sr) 8.
Key players in 2017:
Offensively –
On the offensive side of the ball, it begins with Lamar Jackson. Coming off of a record-setting Heisman trophy season, expectations will be at an all-time high for him and this program. With his dangerous combination of speed and elusiveness, Jackson is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He is not as revered as a passer, however, he has one of the strongest arms in the entire country.
Look out for junior wide receiver, Jaylon Smith and senior running back, Jeremy Smith as well. Both were highly productive in their limited snaps a season ago.
Defensively –
Louisville lost a few key members of their defense from last year, however, they return a talented core of players headlined by Jaire Alexander. Alexander is one of the best man-to-man corners in the country. He is one of those athletes that simply makes game-altering plays. Regardless where Alexander lines up on the field, he always seems to end up by the football. The rising junior is also a deadly return man as well.
The usual suspects, James Hearns, Trumaine Washington and Chucky Williams will all play a pivotal role in the success of this defense in 2017.
Clemson Football 2017 Opponent Preview: Auburn
Louisville has the potential to beat Clemson this season. If you look at last years matchup, the home atmosphere in Death Valley played a huge role in Clemson’s victory. The Cardnials inexperienced offense was rattled by the noise and intensity of the crowd. With the game being at Papa John’s stadium this year, the tables will be turned.
As long as the Cardinals have Lamar Jackson, they have a shot to beat just about anybody, he is that dynamic. That being said, Louisville’s offensive line was horrendous in 2016 and shows no signs of being any better this season. With Clemson’s talent along the front seven, they should be able to wreck havoc in the Cardinals backfield. I doubt Jackson will have any time to survey the field against this menacing Tigers defense.
Next: Can Clemson reach the 50 sacks mark in 2017?
Clemson’s offense may struggle to find points against this Louisville defense. This game will come down to the chess match between Clemson co-offensive coordinators, Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott and newly appointed Cardinals defensive coordinator, Peter Sirmon. For the past three years, Louisville’s defense was ran by Todd Grantham one of the best minds in the game. Grantham was able to slow the Tigers in spots. If Sirmon doesn’t doesn’t bring his A game, Elliott and Scott will coach him off of the field.