Keys to Victory: Clemson at Louisville

Each week we give you a look at the game's history, three keys to success, plus Swanny's prediction.

The Match-Up:

Clemson (5-3, 4-2 ACC) at Louisville (4-4, 2-3 ACC)

Clemson vs. Louisville 2019

Series History:

• OVERALL: Clemson leads series, 6-0
• HOME: Clemson leads series, 3-0
• ROAD: Clemson leads series, 3-0
• NEUTRAL: N/A
• LAST MEETING: Nov. 19, 2019 (45-10, W)
• STREAK: Clemson, Won 6

Watch the Simulation:

Stat of the Week:

Clemson's true freshman running back tandem of Will Shipley and Phil Mafah had superlative performances in the victory over the Seminoles. The roommates combined for 197 of Clemson's 188 rushing yards, as DJ Uiagalelei finished the contest with -9 rushing yards after sacks.

Shipley recorded career highs with 25 carries for 128 yards with two touchdowns and was not stopped for a loss on any of his 25 carries. Meanwhile, Mafah recorded Clemson's longest play of the season on a 63-yard carry in the second quarter.

Chasing History:

Clemson attempting to win in its first seven games against a school for the third time all-time and the second time against a school presently in the FBS. The Tigers previously won each of their first seven all-time contests in series with Furman and Virginia.

*Active streak

Key 1: Ride your Horse

Last weekend Clemson looked more committed to the run with former five-star running back Will Shipley having his best career performance. Shipley rushed for 128 yards on 25 carries, but none more significant than the go-ahead touchdown burst late in the ball game.

On the carry, Shipley, made not one, but three nice cutbacks and throughout the game showed the vision to see a hole and explode through it. 

If Tony Elliott will continue to ride Shipley this weekend against Louisville, the TIgers' chances to win tonight’s game would seem to be improved.

Key 2: No Randall 

When I was growing up Randall Cunningham was the most elusive quarterback in the NFL. While not related to each other, Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham has the same ability to make plays when the pocket breaks down around him. 

Dabo Swinney made some comparisons this week between the Cardinals’ current quarterback and former star and Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson-- I don’t know if I'd go that far-- but if Malik is able to play like Randall did, it could be a long day for Clemson’s defense.

Fortunately, last weekend against FSU, Brent Venables' defense held Jordan Travis in check-- if the Tiger defense has a repeat performance against Cunningham it will be difficult for Louisville to put many points on the board.

Key 3: Turnover Time

Last weekend Clemson’s defense finally put points on the board, all be it in a ‘bad beat’ moment on the last play of the game helping lift the Tigers to a 10-point win in a game where they were predicted to win by -9.5 points.

Ouch!

I joked this week on the radio show that I hoped Tony Elliott told Brent Venables that it would be nice to have those points a little earlier in the game. 

Clemson’s cover corners, Andrew Booth Jr. and Mario Goodrich, have looked sharp this season, and with Cunningham throwing three interceptions the past two games, things might be perfect for the Tigers to snag a couple of picks tonight-- including a pick-six.

Prediction:

This hasn’t been an easy season to predict what’s going to happen, but I do get the feeling that Clemson’s offense will play their best game of the season tonight in Louisville. The final drive last weekend was a big confidence boost, but more importantly, a night game in cool temperatures could spark D.J. Uiagalelei to play well.

It’s been a struggle all season for the sophomore quarterback, but for some reason, I get the feeling he’s going to play good this weekend and the Tigers will come out on top.

Clemson 31, Louisville 17

Swanny's Predictions: 

*Correct predictions in bold