Clemson Tigers

Clemson Football vs Louisville: Series History

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Clemson football’s matchup with Louisville is just days away, so let’s take a look at the series history between these schools, which dates back to 2014.

Two Close Games:

2014: Clemson and Louisville had their first ever match up in College Football history when the two teams squared off on October 11, 2014.

The game started with a bang when the Clemson defense forced a three and out and Adam Humphries returned the punt 72 yards for a touchdown. After a couple of punt exchanges, Deshaun Watson had a strange injury where his finger hit the Cardinal defenders’ helmet and was broken. This would keep him out for several weeks and would leave backup quarterback Cole Stoudt with the opportunity to lead the team to a victory.

The game continued and Louisville led 10-7 for much of the second quarter before the Tigers took a 14-10 lead into halftime. The game continued to be a slug fest dominated by the defenses. Clemson went ahead 23-17 after a Ammon Lakip field goal with just 1:28 remaining.

What happened next was one of the defining moments of the 2014 Clemson football season. Louisville quarterback Will Gardner hit James Quick for a 73-yard gain that looked like a touchdown before Jayron Kearse chased him down at the eight yard line. The Tigers held on for a goal line stop and came away with a huge victory.

2015: Clemson football made its first trip to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in 2015 and it was a barn-burner to say the least.

Clemson took a 7-3 lead into halftime before Louisville went ahead 10-7 on an interception taken back for a touchdown.

Greg Huegel hit a clutch field goal in the fourth quarter to put the Tigers up 20-17 and the defense held on for a victory.

Both of these games have been extremely close and defensive battles.

Neither offense has gotten a jump on the opposing defense either season, but this may be the year that breaks that streak.

I believe Clemson football will have some success against Louisville and I believe the Lamar Jackson-led offense will have some success against the Tigers.

It should be a great game to watch and Death Valley certainly will be rocking heading into the 8 p.m. tilt on Saturday.