CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Instant Analysis: Clemson overcomes ugly start to beat Louisville
Trevor Lawrence overcame two early interceptions

Instant Analysis: Clemson overcomes ugly start to beat Louisville


by - Staff Writer -

LOUISVILLE, KY – After an ugly offensive start to the game, Trevor Lawrence found his rhythm just before halftime to propel the Tigers over the Cards.

Travis Etienne combined with another stellar day from the Clemson defense gave the second-ranked Tigers a 45-10 win over Louisville.

Clemson improved to 7-0 overall and 5-0 in the ACC, while Louisville fell to 4-3 and 2-2 in conference.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: When Clemson wanted to run the ball, Travis Etienne had no problems finding the holes. The Tigers’ first play of the game was a 48-yard run up the middle by Etienne and he didn’t slow down until the pulled up gimpy early in the fourth quarter after another long run. Etienne had 14 carries for 194 yards, including a 49-yard scamper for a touchdown in the third quarter to give Clemson some breathing room at 24-3.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Justin Foster had arguably his best game of the season. Defensive end Xavier Thomas was out with a concussion, but Foster stepped up in a big way. He finished the game with five total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. He also had a quarterback pressure early in the fourth quarter that led to an A.J. Terrell interception.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED:

*Potter’s Redemption - Travis Etienne ripped off a 48-yard run on the Tigers’ first play from scrimmage but the drive bogged down and the Tigers settled for a 51-yard field goal from B.T. Potter or a 3-0 lead at the 9:27 mark of the first quarter.

*One-Minute Offense - Louisville got a 28-yard field goal from Blanton Creque midway through the quarter that made it 10-3, but both defenses continued to hold strong. Clemson forced a Louisville punt late in the half and the Tigers took over at their 23 with 1:05 left on the clock.

The next few plays were Lawrence at his best. The drive started with a 14-yard pass to Rodgers, a 16-yard pass to Etienne, and a slant to Justyn Ross or 22 yards. The offense ran to the line of scrimmage and spiked the ball with 17 seconds left to play in the half. On the ensuing play, Lawrence rolled to his left and found Ross in the back of the endzone for a touchdown. Ross went up and over three defensive players to bring the ball down, getting one foot down in bounds for the 25-yard score with five seconds left.

STAT OF THE GAME: Louisville freshman running back Javian Hawkins eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark, breaking Clemson’s streak of 27 games without allowing a 100-yard rusher the longest streak in the FBS.

UP NEXT: Clemson returns home to host Boston College at 7:30 p.m. for Homecoming. The Eagles (4-3, 2-2) beat N.C. State 45-24 Saturday.

Louisville hosts Virginia in a 3:30 p.m. tilt.

Ultimate Level LogoUpgrade Your Account

Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.

Upgrade Now
Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to Nikki Hood: Email | Comment
Scanlon's walk-off homer lifts Hurricanes over No. 2 Tigers
Scanlon's walk-off homer lifts Hurricanes over No. 2 Tigers
WATCH: Clemson vs. Arizona Sweet 16 extended highlights
WATCH: Clemson vs. Arizona Sweet 16 extended highlights
Everything Brad Brownell said after Clemson advanced to the Elite 8
Everything Brad Brownell said after Clemson advanced to the Elite 8
WATCH: Clemson players react to their Sweet 16 win over Arizona
WATCH: Clemson players react to their Sweet 16 win over Arizona
Post your comments!