Clemson Football: 3 Takeaways from Tigers trouncing of Louisville

2. Louisville’s year-to-year regression

Last time Louisville entered Death Valley, they were 4-0, third in the nation, and came in as a one-point favorite over the fifth-ranked Clemson Tigers. Lamar Jackson was shocking the nation with his unique playmaking style and they finished the year with the 14th ranked total defense in all of college football. College Gameday was present in Clemson, South Carolina, and the game was ultimately decided as wide receiver James Quick fell out of bounds just a yard shy of the first down marker and turned the ball over on downs. Clemson would go on to win the national championship later that season.

Jump forward two years, Louisville returned to Death Valley for their annual game against ACC Atlantic foe Clemson for the fourth time ever. Louisville enters without a conference win and a 2-7 record. Their defense is ranked 101 overall in the nation and the 114th ranked offense. Louisville was a 40-point underdog to the No. 2 ranked Clemson Tigers and never stood a chance. The offensive line was the worst it has been all season long and allowed six sacks to starting quarterback Jawon Pass. Pass threw two interceptions with one going for his only touchdown for the day as Isaiah Simmons picked him off for a 27-yard pick six.

I don’t see Bobby Petrino losing his job this season considering his buyout is currently over $10 Million and that doesn’t begin to describe the costs of buying out another coach like Purdue’s Jeff Brohm out of his $21 Million contract. The misery might continue on to next season before the Cardinals decide to move on from Petrino.