Clemson fans storm the field. (Paul Rogers photo)
Clemson fans celebrate win over Louisville. (Paul Rogers photo)

From all the chatter out of South Carolina over the past week, the University of Louisville football team didn’t have much of a chance. Clemson had too much talent, too much tradition, the crowd would be too loud, and would embarass UofL.

Those same people were sitting on the edges of their seats with 21 seconds left, clinging to hopes for a miracle with UofL on their two-yard line, wondering who are these guys. Many of the Clemson faithful storming the field, exhilarating after a 23-17 win over Louisville.

Their first brush with Louisville football a scary encounter, a lesson in humility, a reminder that games are won on the field, not on message boards, learning firsthand that UofL will be a contender in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

UofL would live up to its No. 1 ranking in total defense, allowing the Tigers only 229 yards of offense — 261 yards fewer than their ACC-leading average coming into the game. The Tigers would make only two third-down conversions and would be sacked four times. Bobby Petrino’s offense wasn’t much better, however, managing only 264 total yards and one of 17 third-down conversion attempts.

By the time, Petrino pulled Reggie Bonnafon in the second half, it was painfully clear why Petrino had delayed his starting quarterback decision. Except for his 39-yard completion to Dominique Brown, the freshman quarterback was having another off day, completing only five of 13 attempts with a minus 26 yards rushing.

Still having problems with those decisions, holding the ball too long, coughing up the ball again on his own one-yard line, again giftwrapping six more points to the opposition.

Night and day in terms of poise and execution between Will Gardner and Bonnafon. With Gardner calling signals, UofL suddenly had a chance to win, Gardner finding targets not apparent or available to Bonnafon. He would complete 10 of 15 passes for 150 yards, including a 22-yard strike to Eli Rogers for the only aerial touchdown in the game.

What a relief to finally see a spark in the offense,

Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham is worth every cent of his $1 million annual salary. His defense , which hasn’t allowed a touchdown in almost four games, will continue to give UofL a chance to win every game, despite the offense’s considerable shortcomings.

Even those haughty Clemson fans would agree.

Share this

By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

2 thoughts on “Clemson survives Louisville scare”
  1. Appreciate you sharing the information with us. There were many positive reports about the Clemson fan base from those attended the game. Plenty of good football traditions over there.

  2. Just so you know, it is a long standing tradition at Clemson (for longer than the 40 years that I’ve been going to games there) that fans are INVITED to “meet at the paw” on the field after the game – Win or Lose. It is announced over the PA system. Players sign autographs and sing the alma mater. It like this for EVERY game, no matter who we play. (With the exception of 1 or 2 games immediately following 9/11 attack) Though some do run out there with more enthusiasm than others, you’d be incorrect to call it “storming the field”.

    Other than that, it was indeed a great game. I made it a point to speak to every Cardinal fan I saw. All said that were having a great time in Clemson. I will be bringing a crowd with me to Louisville next year. Welcome to the ACC!!

Comments are closed.