Clemson Football: Q&A with Big Red Louie

Oct 11, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers fans react after Clemson Tigers wide receiver Adam Humphries (not pictured) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson football will host the Louisville Cardinals on Saturday in a monument matchup. Here is what our friends at Big Red Louie have to say about the game.

Everyone knows what’s going down in Death Valley in just a few days.

No. 5 Clemson football will host No. 3 Louisville in a colossal matchup that very well may decide not only the ACC Championship, but the National Championship in 2016.

We had the opportunity to talk to Derek Snyder of Big Red Louie to get a Louisville perspective on Saturday’s matchup.

Check out the questions below!

Sep 24, 2016; Huntington, WV, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Bobby Petrino looks on from the sidelines against the Marshall Thundering Herd in the second half at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The Louisville Cardinals won 59-28. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Louisville has blown out every opponent this season to this point. What have been the biggest improvements from last season?

1) Louisville has played really well so far this season. I would have to say that the biggest improvement this season has actually been the play of Lamar Jackson.

At this point last year, Jackson was struggling with turnovers and learning the playbook. It has been reported that he didn’t have an actual playbook in high school, therefore he couldn’t quite grasp all of the complexities of the offense last season.

Over one offseason, Jackson has now become a more accurate passer, better decision maker, and has more of an understanding of what they are wanting to do on offense.

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) laughs during an interview after a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Clemson defeated Georgia Tech 26-7. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Who are some players from Louisville that Clemson football fans may not know about that will make an impact on Saturday?

2) James Hearns and Jaire Alexander are the two guys that come to mind right away. Alexander players corner and returns punt for Louisville. He has been a huge factor so far this year, as he already has one punt return touchdown.

If he has room, he can be a game changer for the Cardinals. James Hearns finally got a chance to play this year after an injury to Trevon Young. Young was huge for the Cardinals last season, but hurt his hip in last year’s Music City Bowl and has been out ever since.

Hearns has stepped up big this year on the edge, giving the Louisville defense another powerful end alongside former Big 12 Defensive Player of the year, DeVonte Fields.

Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. joins the cast of College Gameday to make his guest game picks prior to the Battle at Bristol football game between the Virginia Tech Holies and Tennessee Volunteers at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

What do you think will be the most interesting matchup to watch within the game?

3) Mike Williams is a guy that should concern Louisville fans.

They have not gone up against a wide receiver quite like Williams this season. Louisville has great experience on defense, but he could definitely give Louisville’s secondary problems throughout the evening. They have a bad habit of hitting and not wrapping up.

The Cards cannot afford to do that against a tall Williams.

Sep 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) avoids the tackle of Florida State Seminoles linebacker Dontavious Jackson (5) during the second quarter at Papa John

To this point, Louisville has looked to be the best team in the country. Do you think the Cards are prepared for sustained success not just this year, but in the years to come?

4) Everyone had been pleasantly surprised with the players that Bobby Petrino has brought into the program.

Charlie Strong brought in legit NFL talent during his time at Louisville and Petrino was able to build off of that recruiting success. Louisville was pretty inexperienced across the board last season, which is paying huge dividends in 2016.

He has put together a great staff with a lot of solid talent coming into the program. If Petrino decides to stick with Louisville for the long haul, the Cardinals will be in the big picture every year.

Sep 17, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) carries the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

What’s your prediction for Saturday?

5) That’s a tough question. I am going to say that Louisville finally finds a way to beat the Tigers this season.

However, it’s not going to be a blow out by any stretch of the imagination. I think Louisville’s defense will be the biggest factor in the game.

If they can get consistent pressure on Deshaun Watson, then Louisville’s offense should have the ability to wear down Clemson’s defense and walk out of South Carolina with the victory.

Again, I’d like to thank Derek for his time and wish nothing but the best going forward! Clemson football fans, if you need more analysis or opinions from a Louisville perspective, Big Red Louie is the site for that.

We will have more updates and predictions as we head into the matchup against the Cardinals on Saturday.