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Clemson football opens as four point favorites over Louisville

By Anthony Messenger

CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers and head coach Bobby Petrino of the Louisville Cardinals meet at mid-field after the Clemson Tigers victory at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Clemson, South Carolina. The Clemson Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 42-36. (Photo by Tyler Smith/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers and head coach Bobby Petrino of the Louisville Cardinals meet at mid-field after the Clemson Tigers victory at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Clemson, South Carolina. The Clemson Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 42-36. (Photo by Tyler Smith/Getty Images) /
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The Clemson football program is slightly favored coming into their highly anticipated rematch with the Louisville Cardinals.

Five years ago, Clemson vs. Louisville would not have garnered a prime time TV slot. Now, thanks to Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson, Clemson vs. Louisville is one of the most intriguing matchups in the country.

At this point in the season last year, both Clemson and Louisville were riding high. The Cardinals in particular, were one of the hottest teams in the country, coming off of a 63-20 drudging of Florida State. Lamar Jackson and this Louisville offense were playing at an unfathomable level.

While Clemson did not have as much momentum entering the week, they did have Deshaun Watson and a roster full of elite talent. That matchup culminated in a nail-biting, 42-36 victory for the Tigers.

Clemson is considered four point favorites over the Cards this year, according to SportsBookReview.com.

Thoughts

Clemson’s current odds are spot on. While the Tigers appear to be even better on defense this season, their offense is not as explosive. Kelly Bryant is more than able at quarterback, however, his playing style does not lend well to a potential shoot out.

Clemson’s defense was elite last season, yet Jackson and company still managed to hang 36 on them. This is a reflection of Jackson’s transcendent talent, rather, than any shortcomings on the Tigers’ part. It’s imperative that Clemson’s front seven keep Jackson contained inside the pocket. Should he begin to create chunk plays and score in bunches, the Tigers could be in trouble.

While Kelly Bryant and this Tigers’ offense were able to move the ball versus Auburn, they struggled to finish drives, scoring just 14 points. We have yet to see Clemson put the ball in the endzone against a competent defense. I’m not sure that this offense could survive a shootout like the one in 2016.

Next: Updated week 2 ACC standings

Yes, Clemson’s defense may be the best in the country, but, it would be foolish to expect them to completely shut Louisville down. Bryant and company will have to score at least 24 points to defeat the Cardinals.

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