Clemson vs. Louisville: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more

CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 01: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals looks to avoid the tackle of Ryan Carter #31 of the Clemson Tigers during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) celebrates after making a tackle during the 2017 College Football National Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide on January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Keys for Clemson

In taking on Louisville last year, the key to beating the Cardinals for Clemson started with Watson at quarterback. The eventual National Champions had a prolific offense to their credit and could go blow-for-blow with anyone. That’s less so the case with this version of Swinney’s Tigers, however. On Saturday night, the biggest key for this group is going to be what they’re able to do on the defensive side of the ball.

As stated previously, this might be the best defense in the country coming in to try and stifle Lamar Jackson and the Cardinals. In the front seven and in the secondary, Swinney has constructed an absolutely lethal overall unit. The likes of Ryan Carter, K’Von Wallace and Trayvon Mullen will make Jackson’s life hard as a strong secondary. But where the Tigers really need a big performance is from their devastating front seven.

This front four is unbelievably talented as Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence and Austin Bryant can all wreak havoc. Dorian O’Daniel and Kendall Joseph are stalwarts behind them at linebacker. With that being said, the big key for this group will be staying disciplined.

They’re talented enough to get pressure against any offensive line in the country, but getting pressure on Jackson doesn’t mean all that much if defenses over-pursue. Instead, this group needs to both disrupt Jackson’s rhythm, but also make sure to keep contain and not allow him gaping lanes to take off down the field through.

As for the offense, the big key for Clemson will be taking pressure off of Bryant by moving the ball on the ground. Through two games, Bryant is actually their leading rusher as no running back has really separated himself as “the guy” with four backs having at least eight carries and one score. Whoever’s carrying the ball needs to be effective so to not put a still inexperienced quarterback in too many third-and-long type situations that will leave him prone to mistakes. When mistakes give Lamar Jackson the ball back, you have to limit them as much as possible.

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