After finally generating a spark of momentum with a win over Florida State, Dabo Swinney's Clemson Tigers (4-5) are heading into a prime-time spoiler spot against No. 20 Louisville.
But if you ask the national media, the Tigers' momentum is about to hit a brick wall.
Despite being just a 3-point underdog, the national outlook is overwhelmingly siding with the home-team Cardinals (7-2). The consensus? Clemson's offense is still too flawed, and they're walking into an ambush against an angry Louisville team.
'I Like Louisville to Cover Handily'
The panel at CBS Sports is leading the charge, with six of its nine analysts picking Louisville to win and cover.
Chris Hummer explained that this game comes down to a fatal flaw for the Tigers. "The Cardinals are one of the best defenses in the ACC, and their top 25 run defense could make the Tigers rather one-dimensional, a problem for Clemson all year," Hummer said. "I’m taking the Cardinals at home. They’re the better team."
- Hummer's Pick: Louisville 31, Clemson 27
Brad Crawford was even more blunt, predicting a blowout. He believes Clemson's brief celebration is over.
"That’ll have to come after Week 12 since they’re playing an angry Cardinals team after that disappointing loss to Cal," Crawford said. "Jeff Brohm will get his team re-focused... I like Louisville to cover handily here."
- Crawford's Pick: Louisville 34, Clemson 17
'The Weekly Clemson Guessing Game'
The anti-Clemson trend continues across the media landscape. Ten of the thirteen selectors at College Football News are picking the Cardinals. The computers agree, with SP+, FEI, and FPI all projecting a Louisville victory.
The core issue for analysts is Clemson's staggering unreliability.
Bleacher Report's David Kenyon, who projects a tight 27-24 Louisville win, summed up the frustration of betting on the Tigers: “The weekly Clemson guessing game is a bit more dramatic in Week 12... Which version of Clemson, both offensively and defensively, will travel? That uncertainty is enough for me stick with Louisville at home."
While a few outliers on the USA TODAY and Athlon panels are taking a chance on a Clemson upset, the overwhelming majority of experts are fading Dabo Swinney, betting that a "refocused" and "angry" Louisville team will simply be too much.