National spotlight takes a little getting used to. Far too bright for a team unaccustomed to being there. Blinding. Especially at a place like Clemson where college football is everything and nothing less.
Comes down once again to another crucial play in the final seconds as it has during the first two games between the University of Louisville and Clemson, with Tigers winning again, this time 42-36.
A standing-room-only crowd of 83,362 fans making its monstrous presence felt early, forcing the awe-struck University of Louisville’s offensive line into three quick starts, 15 yards of penalties, on the first two offensive series. Allowing the Clemson defense to have its way early against Lamar Jackson.
An unfortunate high snap from senior center Tobijah Hughly would shift momentum away from UofL and set the tone for the first half. The Tigers would score 28 points in the second quarter, taking a 28-10 lead to the locker room, celebrating, smiling and yucking it up, thinking this one was already theirs.
The crowd was slow returning to the seats in the second half, not taking UofL seriously until the Cardinals had scored 19 straight points to hold a 29-28 lead, stretching it to 36-28 at one point. That was when Deshaun Watson hit Mike Williams for a 20-yard touchdown. Less than four minutes later, a 31-yarder to Jordan Leggett would give Clemson its final margin.
James Quick will again be remembered for not making a key play in a Clemson game, recalling the play two years ago when he was tackled from behind on a sure path to the end zone. This night he went left instead of right, falling out of bounds, a yard short of a first down on the two-yard line.
Watson would win the battle of the quarterbacks, finishing with five passing touchdowns, 306 yards through the air and another 91 on the ground.
Jackson getting off to a miserable start but was catching up quickly in the second half, winding up with 295 passing yards, 162 rushing yards and three scores — but with a loss.
Thanks to that second half, Jackson kept himself in the discussion for the Heisman Trophy and Louisville among the contenders for a playoff spot. At least for now, at least in the minds of some analysts.
All that talk about going undefeated and winning national championships was fun while it lasted. Fortunately, there are lots of twists and turns left in the season.