Cardinals Continue Preparations For No. 2 Clemson on Saturday

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville football team will face another difficult task this weekend when the Cardinals visit No. 2 Clemson in a noon game in front of a nationally televised audience on ABC.

This will be the first time the Cardinals will face the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the same season, having lost to No. 1 Alabama to open the year in Orlando, Florida.
Clemson (8-0) is one of nation's most dominate teams, leading the nation in scoring defense, allowing 13.0 points per game, and ranking sixth in scoring offense, averaging 44.1 points per contest.

The Tigers are led by freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Since he won the starting job, Lawrence has thrown for 1,260 yards and 12 touchdowns.

UofL defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder praised the true freshman this week.

"He's an outstanding freshman quarterback. He has pocket presence, has all the throws, seems to be very composed," VanGorder said. "They've been getting better and better with him."

While the Tigers have youth at the skill positions, the veteran offensive line keeps their pace. It's a daunting task to slow down such a high-powered offense, but VanGorder put it simply: The Cards must prepare well.

"(We have) to be schematically sound," VanGorder said. "They know Clemson is an awfully good team. Good players, good coaches. They demand our best."

VanGorder is still proud of the way the team has fought this season despite going through the tough times.

"These guys have made me proud. I don't have any regrets. They've been consistent in their approach, they've stuck together and supported one another," VanGorder said.

Head coach Bobby Petrino, who is looking for his first win at Clemson, echoed VanGorder's praise of the Tigers' high-powered offense.

"Their quarterback is doing a really nice job for them," Petrino said. "They've had some games where they've relied on the run and their offensive line was blocking the front. Their running backs are fast. And then, last week, they came out and threw the ball. He can really zip it. He can spin the ball. He's got a really good wrist and can get the ball down the field to his targets, so it's a great challenge for us. We've just got to get back on the practice field and work to get better."

Shifting to the other side of the ball, Clemson has one of the most intimidating defenses and it starts up front.

All four starters earned Preseason All-ACC First Team selections and are expected to hear their names called next spring in the 2019 NFL Draft. The group anchors the defense and is a large reason behind their seventh-ranked rush defense (91.6 yards per game).

Louisville will have their hands full this weekend trying to pull the upset on the ACC-leading Tigers. The offense gives some reason for optimism, scoring at least 24 points a game in three of the last four outings.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Jawon Pass is starting to come around after the slow start to the season, throwing for 1,587 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

"I feel like we've made some improvements," Petrino said. "We did a better job of running the football. We did a better job blocking the front to run the football, and our receivers got in good positions. Hassan and (redshirt junior running back) Trey (Smith), I thought, did a good job of breaking tackles and running with the ball. (Redshirt sophomore quarterback Jawon) Puma (Pass) delivered the ball, made good decisions."

University of Louisville Athletics

Cardinals Continue Preparations For No. 2 Clemson on Saturday

Players Mentioned

Jawon Pass

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