Louisville vs Clemson Preview: 5 Things to Watch

Sep 17, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to throw against the Louisville Cardinals during the second quarter at Papa John

All of a sudden, it appears that the Clemson Tigers and Louisville Cardinals may decide the ACC Atlantic division.

Long before the 2016 NCAA football season started, we thought we all had it figured out. Some said the entire year would be a precursor to an eventual rematch between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers. Others said that Clemson had the best quarterback in the country, DeShaun Watson, but the Florida State Seminoles were better everywhere else. To them, it was inevitable that the guys from Tallahassee would take the 2016 contest and beat whoever they faced in the ACC Championship, sending them back to the National Championship playoff.

Then it happened.

Florida State walked into Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and were manhandled in a fashion that they usually reserve for someone else. Clemson was busy making the South Carolina State Bulldogs wave the white flag (something many of us didn’t know you were allowed to do and have yet to forgive the Bulldogs for). Following two tune up games for both teams, things now set up for a game that may ultimately decide the ACC Atlantic division.

Here are five things to think about before Saturday and to watch for once the game kicks off.

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Clemson Tigers band plays before a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

5. Death Valley

This has never been a place people look forward to going to regardless of how good Clemson was. If you never experienced a home game in Clemson, South Carolina, it’s hard to describe what it’s like. One thing has never changed. If Clemson gets things going, the fans get charged up and get into what’s happening. The opposing team and whatever fans that entered who decided not to wear orange will feel as though they’re under attack.

Clemson exits the locker room at Memorial Stadium, and they board a bus. They’re then driven to the other side of the stadium where they then exit. They re-enter this monument to college football and ascend to the upper reaches of the stadium. Then they all touch “Howard’s Rock”, bolt down the hill and whether you’re a fan or not, you feel like you’ve just witnessed one of the great entrances in all of sports.

You almost forget that there’s a game to played, but we are all very much aware that there is and much is at stake.

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney reacts against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

4. Who does a better job at limiting the distractions?

The electricity in Louisville, Kentucky is now beginning to reach a fever-pitch, but this week, they leave the friendly confines of Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium for the hostility of “Death Valley”. A victory is attainable, but it won’t be easy. Still, if you want to be a dominant program going forward, these are the games you have to win.

Many of the outside world is still trying to get past the fact that an important game is being discussed, it involves the University of Louisville and basketball is not the subject. Ladies and gentlemen, the Cardinals are for real. They’ve got playmakers everywhere, an offensive genius, Bobby Petrino, at head coach and a quarterback you may not have heard of but will be mentioned quite a few times before the season ends. His name is Lamar Jackson, and you might want to familiarize yourself with him if you haven’t (more on that in a second).

Clemson’s been in their fair share of important games recently under head coach Dabo Swinney, and aside from a hard fought loss in the national championship game to Alabama, they’ve normally come out on top. Louisville is still getting used to this types of “big game atmosphere”. Clemson is supposed to win, but what if they look up at realize they’re in a dog fight? Do they tighten up? Can Louisville do what many are saying they don’t have a chance to do? The game is in prime time and will be nationally televised.

If you think that the guys that will be playing aren’t aware of all of that or will be completely oblivious to what’s at stake, you’re fooling yourself.

Sep 24, 2016; Huntington, WV, USA; Louisville Cardinals fans show support in the second half at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The Louisville Cardinals won 59-28. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

3. What the game means for both sides.

Think about this for a second. If Louisville wins on Saturday night, they’re unbeaten on the season and in the ACC. That would include wins over both Clemson and Florida State, and you can bet your last dollar the voters will start giving some serious thought to catapulting them into one of the top five slots in the country. Many, whether fair or unfair, have recently viewed Florida State’s perennial clash with Clemson as the conference’s de facto championship game. The winner is thrust into the nation’s consciousness as one of the elite teams in the country.

This year, Louisville replaces Florida State in the storyline. We knew they were close with hard fought losses to both programs in years past, but now that they’ve slain that dragon that is the Seminoles, this appears to be a team that’s ready to pencil themselves into the national title discussion. They’re not going to “Death Valley” to compete. They’re headed to “Death Valley” with bigger thoughts in mind.

Clemson’s got a national title hunt in their plans as well, and a big wrench can be thrown in that plan if they don’t take care of business at home.

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

2. Dabo Swinney versus Bobby Petrino

Dabo Swinney wasn’t this highly touted offensive or defensive coordinator when he assumed the role of head coach of the Clemson Tigers. He was elevated to that position after being given the title of interim head coach following Clemson’s decision to move on from Tommy Bowden. Many wanted a “big splash” hire. Others, including some of the citizens of South Carolina, weren’t 100 percent who Swinney was.

Ultimately, that move paid off to be the right decision. Clemson continues to pull in some of the top recruiting classes year after year, and following their second-place finish in the NCAA National Championship game last year, many are expecting that to lead to bigger things. This Saturday, he matches wits with Petrino.

Most of our opinions of Petrino are unfair, have nothing to do with football are just dog gone mean spirited, but Louisville’s in the position they’re in largely because of him. This guys can coach, and they’re aren’t too many offenses in the country that can rival what the Cardinals are doing. That defense isn’t too shabby either.

Look forward to hearing all-too-common phrases like “whoever has the ball last”, “whoever wins the turnover battle” and “the team that can limit mistakes”.

Sep 24, 2016; Huntington, WV, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws a pass for a touchdown to wide receiver James Quick (not pictured) against the Marshall Thundering Herd in the first half at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Heisman race

It’s arguably, the most recognizable position in all of sports. It’s no different in college football. Saturday night we have two of the best and brightest on the field at the same time. Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson meet, and many are saying the winner will have a leg up on the Heisman race. Others are saying this could determine the favorite (no disrespect to Christian McCaffrey and others).

Watson has already thrown for almost 1000 yards and nine touchdowns. Jackson has already notched 1330 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. He’s also added another 526 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. This season Watson hasn’t made an attempt to take off as often as he has in the past, but best believe he can beat you with his legs as well.

This game will be truly stressful to fans on both sides. For those that don’t have a dog in the fight, we get to sit back and enjoy. The world will be watching right along with us as we enjoy the greatest game in the world and two field generals who are at the top of their games. It’s safe to say that both of these guys will be playing on Sundays.