Probable losses –
No. 2 Clemson
Saturday, October 19th
Entering the season, there were two games that were almost automatic losses for the Cardinals: Notre Dame and Clemson.
Louisville put up a good fight against the Fighting Irish on Labor Day but, as predicted, they were outmatched talent, experience, and depth-wise even in a solid effort that saw the Cards leading after one quarter.
One could imagine a similar scenario playing out when the Tigers enter Cardinal Stadium on October 19th. It is a noon game and Clemson will be coming off a match-up against conference rival Florida State that should, at the very least, test them for a half.
Still, the defending national champions are far too talented for Louisville to have any sort of shot to beat them. The Cardinals’ only hope is to play to their strengths and hope that they can turn Clemson over a few times.
Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence– a Heisman front-runner to start the season- has not been as sharp as in his impressive freshman season, turning the ball over far too often.
Louisville would have to keep the ball on the ground, take control of the game clock, and be at least +3 in turnover margin to even have a shot. If they can keep the game close heading into halftime, a crowd that figures to be pretty amped up to have the defending champs in town could carry them a long way.
Still, Clemson has a top ten defense and a top 20 offense. Running back Travis Etienne averages 6.9 yards per carry in somewhat limited touches, and Lawrence has a number of giant targets at wide receiver to throw to.
Clemson figured to enter the game as double-digit favorites, and they should expect to handle the Cards by a wide margin.
Louisville figures to be two years out from competing on this level again, but you never know what could transpire. That’s why they play the game.