Clemson survives a scare at Louisville, keeps CFP hopes alive

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- No. 11 Clemson got its first real test of the season Thursday night, traveling to play a Louisville team desperate to notch its first victory.

The Tigers won 20-17, but the more appropriate verb is "survived." Despite a mostly dominant defensive effort, Dabo Swinney's team needed a missed 38-yard field goal by the Cardinals' Greg Huegel with under three minutes left and an interception in the end zone on the game's final play to avoid an upset at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.

Clemson moved on, with lots of questions remaining about its offensive line and receiving corps. The Tigers did not look like the No. 11 team in the country for most of the night, but at least they remain unscathed.Clemson's Artavis Scott catches a pass from Deshaun Watson against the Louisville. The Tigers' win nevertheless revealed timing problems between Watson and his receivers. Jamie Rhodes/USA TODAY Sports

What the win means for Clemson: The Tigers took care of business as they usually do against unranked opponents. Thursday's win was the 32nd straight for Clemson against opponents outside of the Top 25. This was a major step up in competition after feasting on Wofford and Appalachian State the first two weeks. College Football Playoff hopes remain alive, but the Tigers showed vulnerability on their young, banged-up offensive line and timing problems between Deshaun Watson and his receivers. Watson, who threw two interceptions, wasn't particularly sharp. Clemson now gets 15 days to prepare for an important upcoming two-game stretch against Notre Dame and Georgia Tech.

What the loss means for Louisville: Year 2 in the ACC has not started off so hot for the Cardinals. They fell to 0-3 on the season, the first time they've been winless in three games since 1984, back in the program's dark ages. The good news, if there is any, is only one of those three losses counts in the conference standings, and the first win should be forthcoming next Saturday against FCS Samford. But with road trips to North Carolina State and Florida State to follow, the possibility exists for a 1-5 start -- especially if the offensive line doesn't make quick improvements.

Top play: Clemson has lacked big-play ability on offense since the scary neck injury to receiver Mike Williams. So the Tigers had to get creative against Louisville. The best example of that came on Watson's 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Leggett in the third quarter. Left tackle Mitch Hyatt lined up out wide on the right side on the play, while Leggett sneaked into Hyatt's normal position. After the snap, Hyatt backed up while Leggett scooted straight down the field and found himself with all kinds of room.

Stat of the game: Louisville's offensive line simply could not get the job done. The Cardinals had only 19 rushing yards on 28 attempts, and that included a minus-37 in sack yardage as quarterback Kyle Bolin was dumped five times behind the line of scrimmage. That doesn't begin to describe how many times Clemson got penetration into the backfield to force quick throws or blow up a play. Louisville's problems were particularly pronounced on third down, where they went just 2-for-14 on the night and 0-for-8 to start the game. Credit the Tigers' defense, but Bobby Petrino knows his offensive line is a mess right now.

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