Clemson vs Louisville: Our Take

Each week we give our three keys to the game and our predictions.

Key 1: Slow down Mr. Jackson

Talk about your "duh" statement of the season thus far. Nothing gets college football fans going like an elite playmaker at the quarterback position. Lamar Jackson has certainly been that in recent years. A rare talent, Lamar Jackson can often seem as if he his floating on air as he makes defenders look silly and coasts to the end zone. 

Last season, Clemson contained Jackson for the first half and Louisville could only generate 10 points. I would be willing to buy into the theory that Lamar Jackson found a telephone booth at the half because his play in the second half was superman-esque. Under the pressure of the moment, with the weight of Death Valley pouring down on him, the future Heisman winner would carry Louisville on a 26-0 run to take an 8 point lead.

In 2016, Clemson had their own version of Superman at quarterback in Deshaun Watson. With Watson leading the way Clemson was able to overcome Jackson's talents and survive the Cardinals in the third straight nail-biter in the series.

Key 2: Win the Turnover Battle

This one seems easy, but for Clemson it hasn't been. In fact, some how Clemson has managed to win despite losing the turnover battle more often than not. This season in fact, Clemson has yet to force a turnover heading into tonight's matchup. 

Last season Clemson turned the ball over five times yet still found a way to overcome those mistakes and pull out the victory. If Clemson loses the turnover battle in 2017 by more than one, you can book their first loss ever against Louisville.

Key 3: Find a Running Back

Will the next Wayne Gallman please stand up? Let's be honest, this isn't a comfortable subject given the talent that Clemson has in the backfield- on paper. Clemson teams of yesteryear would love to have had the diverse levels of talent in the backfield that Clemson claims in 2017. The problem is, from this observers perspective, there might not be a guy ready to assume that roll. We have certainly seen flashes from these four this year, but when I'm looking to a true freshman to give me confidence?  That's all you need to know.

Prediction:

Tonight's game could go a long way in determining the Atlantic Division representative in the ACC Championship game. With Clemson's defensive line being a bit thin but uber-talented, the number of snaps and pace of the game could play a huge factor. 

Clemson hasn't forced a turnover this season, but the Tigers are always one of the best in the country at forcing three-and-outs. Last week, I asked Christian Wilkins if they see those as turnovers and it's not surprising that they do. 

Brent Venables has proven to be a master when it comes to timing up blitzes and against a guy as elusive as Lamar Jackson well-timed blitzes could be just the thing Clemson needs to get the defense off the field.

Lamar Jackson and Louisville have to be hungry tonight. They've squandered multiple opportunities to knock off Clemson in their three previous meetings. Even though the Cardinals have the most talented player on the field and a ton of motivation, Clemson is far and away the better team.

I expect a hard-fought game with Clemson putting the nail in the coffin late with an explosive run from Clemson's quarterback Kelly Bryant, reminiscent of what Lamar Jackson has done to teams in recent memory.

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