Louisville football is taking on the Clemson Tigers this evening in an ACC clash from L&N Stadium. The Cardinals will look to earn their second win over the Tigers in program history after Louisville stunned Clemson a season ago in Death Valley. These two teams have had some fun matchups in the past, and with Jeff Brohm trying to keep his ACC Championship dreams alive, Louisville is in a must-win situation.
The Tigers aren't the team many were expecting as they sit 4-5 on the regular season and 3-4 in the ACC, but this is no walkover game. Louisville is coming off a brutal loss to Cal, when they were 18.5-point favorites, and if Louisville plays similarly to last week, this Clemson team has what it takes to play spoiler and end the Cardinals' ACC Title Hopes. Dreams.
So, with Louisville in desperate need in this huge Friday night showdown, here are three important keys for Louisville vs Clemson.
3 massive keys for Louisville football vs Clemson
3. Cardinals defense vs Cade Klubnik
Cade Klubnik is the star of this Clemson team, and Louisville's defense is struggling more and more to defend the over-the-top passes. The Cardinals' defense has to limit the big plays through the air if they want to win, as Klubnik is beginning to find his rhythm as of late. Last week, the Cardinals gave up 323 passing yards and two passing touchdowns to Cal's Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, and if Klubnik reaches similar numbers, that is a recipe for disaster for the Cardinals.
Louisville doesn't want this game to be a shootout like the one it was for Clemson vs. Duke. The Cards' defense must step up and play like it did against Miami, limiting Klubnik to under 300 passing yards and forcing turnovers.
2. Keyjuan Brown must dominate
Louisville is without Isaac Brown, but the fans have seen sophomore Keyjuan Brown step up all season long. Brown has rushed for 94 yards or more in his last three games, including last week, when he rushed for 136 yards and averaged 9.7 yards per carry. Louisville has to dominate the rushing attack like it did a season ago when it took down the Tigers in Death Valley.
The rushing attack must find ways to get into the end zone and break free for big plays. The Tigers' rushing defense is one of their strengths, as they give up just 106 rushing yards per game. Brown must have a similar game to last week, rushing north of 100 yards and finding the end zone to help Louisville win.
1. Miller Moss must play better
Miller Moss is the biggest key to this game. If he plays like he did last week, and makes ill-advised throws, and turns the ball over, and misses wide receiver after wide receiver down the field, then the Cardinals are going to struggle in this game. Moss isn't a deep ball thrower, Louisville fans can confirm that after last week, but he is a solid quarterback when Brohm gets the ball out of his hands early and on the first or second read. Despite Isaac Brown being hurt, Louisville must limit Moss and his throws, aiming to throw the ball 35 times or fewer.
The Cards' rushing attack is still lethal and can still win them games. When Moss throws 35 times or more, it isn't pretty, but when they rely heavily on the rushing attack and he throws 30 times or fewer, it is a much cleaner game. Moss has thrown an interception in three straight games and has thrown at least one in five of the last six games. Also, Moss and Brohm need to find ways to get Chris Bell involved, as he hasn't seen as much production lately. Moss and his decision-making are going to be the biggest keys to this game, as the Cardinals quarterback is the biggest X-factor heading into this game.