Clemson Football: Scouting report vs. Louisville
The Clemson football program is gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch with the Louisville Cardinals. If this years contest is even half as good as last season’s 42-36 thriller in Death Valley, than we are in for a show.
When? September 16, 2017, 8:00 pm ET
Where? Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium (Louisville, Kentucky)
2016 Record: 9-4 (7-1 ACC)
Head Coach: Bobby Petrino (4th year)
Betting line: -4 Clemson
Returning starters: 12 total, five on offense, seven on defense.
Bobby Petrino may have had personal issues in his life, however, there is no questioning his ability to build a football program. In just four short seasons at Louisiville (2nd term with the program) Petrino has taken the Cardinals from average to nationally relevant.
Strengths
Louisville’s most glaring strength is do-it-all quarterback, Lamar Jackson. The reigning Heisman trophy winner has taken his game to another level in his third year with the program. Jackson’s speed and elusiveness have been on display from the moment he stepped foot on campus, but, now he has added the ability to throw the ball from the pocket.
In Louisville’s first two games, Jackson has shown improved throwing mechanics, especially in regards to his feet; and much better poise in the pocket.
Despite losing a bevy of weapons to the NFL, the Cardinals’ offense has had no issues putting up points. This is due in large part to the play of wide outs, Jaylen Smith and Dez Fitzpatrick, who are now Jackson’s go-to receivers.
While Peter Sirmon’s defense has not been overly impressive through the first two games of the year, there has been one bright spot, Louisville’s secondary. Led by all-American cornerback, Jaire Alexander, this Cardinals’ secondary is stingy in coverage, forcing three interceptions to date.
Weaknesses
Similar to last season, Louisville’s offensive line has been inconsistent. While they have only given up two sacks on the year, that statistic can be misleading, because it does not take into account the amount of pressure and hits that Lamar Jackson is taking. His ability to elude defenders is why that number is not higher.
The Cardinals also struggle to run the football outside of Jackson. The shifty quarterback has more carries (40) than the rest of Louisville’s roster combined (37). This formula will not work against Clemson football’s dominant front seven.
On the defensive side of the ball, Louisville has bigger issues. They currently rank 98th in the country in scoring defense, allowing 31.5 points per game. This comes after facing a completely retooled UNC offense and a sub-par Purdue squad. Clemson’s talented offense should have no problem finding the endzone.
Next: Austin Bryant named defensive lineman of the week
The Cardinals best defensive player, Jaire Alexander is day-to-day at the moment. If he is unable to play vs. Clemson, the Tigers will have their work cut out for them.