Keys to the game: No. 20 Louisville takes on Clemson

Louisville looks to keep its season alive this Friday night. The Cards face off against Clemson, in what could’ve been a bigger game than it has become over the course of the year.

The tigers are 4-5, fighting for a bowl game berth, while Louisville is trying to shake off its recent defeat.

Both teams had playoff aspirations coming into the season. Louisville has made those dreams a possibility, but last weekend’s overtime loss to California has thrown a wrench into their plans. Clemson was the No. 4 team in the country during week one, but the nation quickly found those expectations were too high.

Last season, the Cards pulled off one of their biggest wins in program history, taking down Clemson for the first time in Death Valley. This year doesn’t hold the same level of implications, but Louisville will need to play miles better than last week. 

“We don’t look at their record. We look at the film and their talent, and they are a very talented team,” head coach Jeff Brohm said Monday.

Staying true to the run game

Louisville has one of the best run games in the country. Featuring Keyjuan Brown, Duke Watson, and Isaac Brown, this backfield has depth even with Isaac out with an injury. 

The Cards have found another young stud in their running back arsenal. K. Brown has 66 carries for 457 yards this season, good for 6.9 yards per attempt. Over his last three games, K. Brown is averaging 108.3 yards per game. Louisville needs to stick to its strengths and pound the run game. With Watson returning from injury last game, he will also be more in the fold for this dynamic duo.

Clemson features one of the best run defenses in the country. Giving up 3.55 yards per carry, good for 29th in the country and 106.2 yards per game. Sophomore linebacker Sammy Brown leads the team with 37 tackles, while defensive linemen T.J. Parker and Peter Woods are both projected first-round picks.

“They (Clemson defense) look the part. They’re big, fast, athletic, and talented,” Brohm said. 

Could Louisville use multiple QBs?

It’s no secret that the Louisville passing game has been a rollercoaster. Miller Moss joined Coach Brohms’ squad with plenty of hype after throwing for 18 touchdowns at USC last season. More than ever, the Cards need some type of change in the quarterback room.

Moss has thrown for 2,132 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, good for a 59.7 quarterback rating. Over the last three games, Moss hasn’t thrown for over 205 yards, has more interceptions than passing touchdowns, and has a 58% completion percentage. These numbers are not sustainable. The Cards are in their toughest part of the schedule and will be facing a secondary led by lockdown corner Avieon Terrell.

“Miller works extremely hard, and I know he’ll put in the work to continue to improve and get better,” Brohm said.

Clemson gives up 245.1 passing yards a game, good for 106th in the country. With these poor numbers, Louisville and Moss have an opportunity to get in rhythm and back on track. Brohm will have to make a big decision if Moss is struggling, but even against Miami, we saw Louisville use formations with multiple quarterbacks.

Redshirt freshman Deuce Adams is a talented high school prospect from Texas, gaining the attention of Cardinal fans since arriving on campus. Only seeing throwing action against EKU and Bowling Green, Adams hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase his skills just yet. Brady Allen is another quarterback who could see some action if the Cards need a new face. Allen is currently a junior and was originally on Brohms’ final team at Purdue. 

Getting in the backfield

Louisville averages 2.11 sacks per game. Over the past four games, this number has dropped, averaging only 1.25 per game. Clemson has a solid offensive line, giving up 14 sacks through nine games, averaging 1.56 per game.

The Cards will need to flip this script and get pressure on future NFL QB Cade Klubnik. Throwing for 2,136 yards, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions, Klubnik has the capability of taking over a game. Coming off a 74.1 percent completion percentage in the Tigers’ win over Florida State, Louisville will have to disrupt the Clemson QB if it wants to have any success.

Wesley Bailey and Clev Lubin have combined for 47.3 percent of the Cardinals’ sacks this year. Big-time performances from them will be key so this defense can get the necessary stops.