For the first time in history, Clemson loses to Louisville

In the first half, Clemson gave Louisville momentum with mistakes and penalties. But in the second half, they took it. Louisville beat Clemson for the first time in history 33-21.

Clemson looked completely outmatched in the third quarter, especially on offense. Louisville at least managed to get within field goal range, scoring 9 points, but that was enough to put the game out of reach.

Clemson outgained Louisville 271 yards to 138 in the second half, with the majority coming in the garbage time in the fourth quarter. And with 14 points, the Tigers outscored them 14-7 in the fourth quarter, too.

What the game really came down to was questionable decisions by the coaching staff and bad special teams play. Louisville blocked two field goals in this game. With more potential points on the board, the last ten minutes of the fourth is a completely different ball game.

Regardless, the Tigers still had a chance, but some coaching decisions were puzzling. With nearly five minutes left in the third quarter, Dabo Swinney decided to go for it on fourth down in Clemson territory, down 20-7. That led to an easy Cardinals' field goal, putting them up by 16 points.

Then, in the fourth quarter, down by three scores, the Tigers methodically march down the field, killing five minutes of game time. They refused to go high temp. And when they did score, Clemson kicked the field goal instead of going for two, putting them within 11 points and leaving a game-tying field goal option available.