LOUISVILLE – In a fourth quarter marked by errors, both forced and unforced, it was Clemson that came up smelling like a rose in a 20-19 victory over 20th-ranked Louisville.
The Cardinals couldn’t get out of their own way, missing an extra point and a pair of fourth-quarter field goals, including one in the final two minutes, as the Tigers (5-5) picked up their first win over a ranked opponent this season and effectively ended Louisville’s ACC title hopes.
It was very nearly Clemson left lamenting a sequence of misplays after goal-line gaffes and a bad snap on a punt had them on the ropes. Facing a third and goal from 3-yard line, the Tigers inserted Peter Woods into the formation. Woods has had success as a short-yardage runner, but not on this night. The 310-lb. defensive tackle fumbled his first carry before a miscommunication on the following play resulted in another fumble and a turnover on downs.
Clemson recovered, however, forcing a three-and-out that resulted in a short field. Adam Randall (15 carries, 105 yards) broke a 46-yard run to set up his second touchdown of the night and Nolan Hauser’s extra point put the Tigers up by a point.
With Clemson clinging to a 20-19 advantage, Louisville moved into prime scoring position before a third-down sack from Sammy Brown forced the Cardinals’ offense back to the 33. It was the Tigers’ only sack of the game, but it proved to be pivotal. Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm opted for a 50-yard field goal that never had a chance.
After Clemson’s next drive stalled, a bad snap on the punt gave Louisville new life. The Cardinals took over inside Clemson’s 25-yard line, needing just a field goal to retake the lead in the final minutes. But Louisville’s string of self-inflicted wounds continued. The next four plays yielded a false start, a tackle for loss, an unsportsmanlike penalty and a missed field goal, sealing Louisville’s fate. In total, the Cardinals’ committed ten penalties for 98 yards.
In what was the final ACC game of Cade Klubnik’s career, the senior finished 22 of 34 for 187 yards. Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley didn’t dial up many downfield throws, with many of the plays designed at or behind the line of scrimmage. In the end, it worked out for Clemson, despite converting just 1 of 13 on third down.
The Tigers need to only defeat Furman next week on Senior Day or South Carolina in the finale to earn their 21st consecutive bowl berth and extend the nation’s 4th longest active streak.
Final Stats
My view from L&N Stadium
Clemson postgame
Dabo Swinney
Cade Klubnik
Avieon Terrell
