Louisville Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The defending National Champion Clemson Tigers return in 2017. While they will have holes on offense, it will be their defense that will carry them this upcoming season.

The Clemson defense returns seven starters, including defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Wilkins had 48 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, nine pass breakups and 3.5 sacks last season. The rising junior is prime for a breakout season and Louisville’s Lamar Jackson could be his next victim.

Jackson still had 162 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 295 passing yards and a passing touchdown in last season’s game. However, it was a game in which he had a career-high 31 rushing attempts. In fact, Jackson went 0-4 in games where he had more than 22 rush attempts last season.

If Jackson can develop a rapport with his wide receiving corps and show his development in the passing game by Week Three, things could get interesting here. Wide receiver Jaylen Smith could be prime for a big week.

The Louisville Cardinals lost last season’s matchup 42-36 after leading late in the fourth quarter. While this year’s game could come down to the final possession, the Cardinals may not have a chance if the offensive line can’t hold up.

The Cardinals are 0-3 against the Tigers since their ACC series began in 2014. Stranger things have happened, though. Louisville did put up 63 points against second-ranked Florida State in a Week Three victory. That game was at home, too.

Final: Clemson 42, Louisville 45 (3-0, 2-0 ACC)