Louisville Football Can Absolutely Take Down Clemson in 2018

The Clemson Tigers are consistently at the forefront of the College Football Playoff conversation. They’ve been a thorn in the side of Louisville Football, since the Cards joined the ACC. Is this the year that trend finally changes?

“So close, yet so far” would be a fitting description for the way the Cards play versus the Tigers. With the exception of last years less than thrilling performance, the Louisville football program has given Clemson all they wanted on the field. But are they really that much better? Could I convince you that Clemson may just be a half a yard better than the Cards?

On the defensive side of the ball, the answer is simple – yes. When you boast your entire front four on the All-ACC Defensive First Team, it’s pretty much impossible to argue. Louisville has talent on defense, but they’re still young and learning a new system. It’s hard to compare when Clemson rakes in 5-star first round NFL caliber players like they won the lottery every year, but that’s just facts.

Now you may be asking yourself “Isn’t this a Louisville blog? Weren’t you gonna tell me how the Cards can finally beat Clemson this year?” Trust me, I’m getting to that. I’m just laying everything out nice and pretty before I hit you with my reasons for what some might call “crazy” optimism.

How can we spend an entire off-season talking about how great we’re gonna be on offense – with guys like Jaylen Smith, Dez Fitzpatrick, Dae Williams, Seth Dawkins, Kemari Averett, and JAWON PASS, along with Bobby Petrino finally getting back to the personnel who fit his system perfectly?  Yet, we forget this as soon as someone mentions Clemson.

There’s a saying: “good offense beats good defense.” Or maybe you’ve heard it said, “that’s great defense, but even better offense.” Either one works, especially in this case. Aggressive, well executed offense by none other than the GENIUS who is Bobby Petrino? With an experienced offensive line coming in strong?  We’ve seen the type of firepower he can bring.

Clemson hasn’t seen this offense. Clemson hasn’t seen the real  Bobby Petrino. Bottom line is – they better be ready to take a hit. Not only because of coaching, talent, or aggression. But because of preparation. 

This game, albeit in Death Valley, will be a bit different than the famous battle that took place there two seasons ago. What’s the difference? Ah, my fellow CardFam, the difference is when the game takes place. 

I know, I know, the last couple years for Louisville football have seen a fall off at the end of the year. But don’t be so quick to forget my point about preparation. Why do you think Petrino is so historically great in season openers? Because he has the entire summer to prepare.

He prepared for FSU in 2016, which resulted in one of the most lopsided losses for that program in their entire history. And Louisville had taken their lumps from the Seminoles in years previous. Now, we have a 2-game winning streak against them. Gotta start somewhere.

This team is already hungry. They know they’re being underestimated for whatever reasons. Coach P hears all the noise about the “hot seat” even if he chooses to ignore it. Somewhere down the line, some of us fans became complacent. “A loss is okay because we can’t beat them on our best day anyway.” Don’t be so sure.

It’s no secret that the Tigers have owned the Cards during our time in the ACC. Much like the pre-2016 years with Florida State, many feel like we just can’t win. Until we did win. Big. Now the win this team is salivating over is the one they believe they can take in Death Valley. Sorry FSU but we’ve moved onto bigger things. We want Clemson. And we’ll be primed and ready 8 games into the season to take them on.

Best believe when November 3rd rolls around, Bobby Petrino and them boys from Louisville will be ready.