Clemson vs. Louisville: 5 players to watch

CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 01: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals stiff-arms Van Smith #23 of the Clemson Tigers during the game at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 01: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals stiff-arms Van Smith #23 of the Clemson Tigers during the game at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NC – SEPTEMBER 09: Lamar Jackson
CHAPEL HILL, NC – SEPTEMBER 09: Lamar Jackson /

1. Lamar Jackson, Louisville, QB

Lamar Jackson’s inclusion in this list should come as no surprise. His performance can pretty much make or break any game for the Cardinals. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has been at the top of his game to start the season, hence Louisville’s two high-scoring victories to start this season.

The 20-year-old is putting up numbers better than his historic year last season. His completion percentage is at 64.7, while last year it was just 56.2 percent. Additionally, he is on pace for more passing yards, as well. If he remains at this rate, he will throw for 4,626 yards compared to 3,543 yards the year before. He has thrown for five touchdowns and zero interceptions. He couldn’t dream of a better start to the season in two games that could have caused the team trouble.

In summation, Lamar Jackson is playing out of his mind. He has out-gained 104 FBS teams through two games this season, including Clemson. If Clemson misses a beat, Louisville’s offense could leave them in the dust.

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The Tigers will need to figure out a way to slow down Jackson or they may be doomed from the start. In their last meeting, Jackson only had one passing touchdown and also threw an interception in the third quarter. However, his running game was at his best. He gained 162 yards on the ground on 31 carries. It is unlikely he will be able to equal that number with how well the Tigers defensive line is playing to start the season.