Dabo Swinney and the Clemson football program will take on the Louisville Cardinals Saturday. Here are our staff predictions for the matchup.
The Clemson Tigers will take on the Louisville Cardinals Saturday afternoon up in Cardinals’ Stadium.
The Tigers come into this one as 24-point favorites, courtesy of the Action Network, and will be looking to make a statement after an impressive win over Florida State last Saturday in Death Valley.
Here are our staff predictions for the ACC matchup.
Shawn Spencer
Score: Clemson 63, Louisville 17
Reason: Many Louisville fans think it’s a ‘homer pick’ to take the Tigers big on Saturday, but why wouldn’t we? The Tigers are the more talented team and Louisville’s defense is No. 102 in the nation in total defense. You really think you’re going to stop the Tigers’ offense? The answer is ‘No.’ Louisville may be able to score some points and they have a talented offense, but it won’t be near enough.
Also, let’s not pretend that the Tigers are slouches on defense like Wake Forest and Boston College.
Barry Shuck
Score: Clemson 36, Louisville 25
Reason: There is no doubt Louisville can score points, but their defense is horrible.
Cole Little
Score: Clemson 45, Louisville 17
Reason: The combination of the Tigers’ rejuvenating performance last Saturday, and the Louisville Cardinals’ second-half defensive putridity last Saturday bodes well for a Clemson blowout at Cardinal Stadium this Saturday. Louisville enters Week 8 as the 102nd-ranked defensive team in the nation, meaning that the Tigers will likely jump out to an early lead and cruise to victory.
Tyreese Ingram
Score: Clemson 42, Louisville 21
Reason: Louisville has quickness and size at receiver and will test the Tiger secondary, but their defense is too small up-front to contain the offense.
What do you think, Tiger fans? Comment below with your scoring prediction for the Louisville game on Saturday.