Thumbs up, thumbs down: Clemson-Louisville football
THUMBS UP
Kelly Bryant
The quarterback position was the biggest question mark on Clemson’s team entering the season, but Kelly Bryant continues to prove that he is capable of keeping the Tigers offense elite, even without Deshaun Watson. Bryant accounted for 342 yards and three touchdowns in the blowout win.
Tavien Feaster
Clemson has been waiting for someone to gain separation from the rest of the pack at running back, and Feaster may be doing that. The sophomore rushed for 92 yards and also had a 7-yard reception. Feaster and starter C.J. Fuller both finished with 10 carries, but Fuller managed only 34 yards.
Dorian O’Daniel
The senior linebacker was all over the field, finishing third on team in tackles with 4.5 and also scoring his first career touchdown on a pick-six in the third quarter. O’Daniel has been one of the stars of Clemson’s defense early on this season.
Isaiah Simmons
Clemson’s freshman safety was thrown into action after Tanner Muse was ejected for targeting in the first quarter, and Simmons played well. He led the Tigers in total tackles with seven, including six solo stops.
THUMBS DOWN
Kick attempts
Tigers kicker Greg Huegel missed a 42-yard field goal in the second quarter and also had an extra point blocked. .
Leaving starters in
Louisville kept Lamar Jackson in at quarterback the entire game, even when facing a 26-point deficit in the final minutes. Jackson took a few shots on Louisville’s final drive and there was no reason to risk an injury at that point. The Cardinals were also held out of the end zone on the series by Clemson’s reserves.
Officials’ spots
At least three times officials messed up spots on the field, leading to a review and the ball eventually being moved.
Louisville play calling
The Cardinals seemed determined to try to show that Jackson is improved as a passer. Jackson is most dangerous when he is running, but he had only five designed runs in the first half and dropped back to pass 22 times. For the game Jackson had 42 pass attempts. As a team Louisville ran the ball 27 times.