In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, Louisville triumphed over No. 11/8 Clemson with a final score of 33-21 at Memorial Stadium. This victory improved Louisville’s record to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the ACC.
Louisville’s offensive strategy proved effective, as they scored on five consecutive drives. Running back Phil Mafah showcased a tremendous performance, accumulating a season-high 199 total yards, including 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries.
Clemson, despite outgaining Louisville 450 yards to 366 and dominating time of possession with 37 minutes and 52 seconds on 101 plays, struggled to convert their efforts into a winning outcome. Quarterback Cade Klubnik completed 33 of 56 passes for 228 yards and one touchdown, while also contributing 43 rushing yards. Defensively, Wade Woodaz led the Tigers with an impressive 11 tackles. This defeat marked Clemson’s eighth win and one loss in their history against the Cardinals.
The scoring opened in the first quarter with a field goal from Louisville’s Brock Travelstead, followed by a touchdown reception from Antonio Williams for Clemson. However, Louisville regained the lead with a touchdown run from quarterback Tyler Shough and established a strong 17-7 lead by halftime after blocking a 49-yard field goal attempt by Clemson.
Luisville continued to dominate into the third quarter, scoring three field goals that contributed to a commanding 26-7 lead. Despite a resilient fourth quarter from Clemson, highlighted by Mafah’s two touchdowns, they could not overcome the early deficit, resulting in the final score of 33-21.
In a reflective moment for the Tigers, the game also served as an occasion to honor the nine new inductees into Clemson’s Athletic Hall of Fame, including notable football alumni Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins.
Looking ahead, Clemson is scheduled to take on Virginia Tech and Pitt in upcoming away games as they aim to finish their conference season strong. Fans can also anticipate more action at Memorial Stadium with two home games against The Citadel and South Carolina later in the month.
This victory for Louisville not only showcases their capability to compete at a high level but also reinforces the competitive spirit of the ACC, making upcoming matchups even more exciting for fans and players alike.