Here in Week 12, we get a crucial ACC matchup as Clemson (4-5) travels to L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium to take on No. 20 Louisville (7-2) at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The Tigers won't defend their ACC title, as they have four more losses than the first-place team with one game left, but they aim to become bowl eligible by winning two of their three remaining contests. The Cardinals have higher goals, as they must win their last two conference games and count on other teams losing to qualify for the ACC Championship.
Below, we’ll give you our Clemson vs. Louisville prediction and Friday CFB picks for PrizePicks, including QB Cade Klubnik projections to consider.
Clemson vs. Louisville Prediction, Friday CFB Picks
Here’s a closer look at our Clemson vs. Louisville prediction and PrizePicks projections for Friday’s ACC matchup.
Clemson Tigers Preview vs. Louisville
- It’s been a disappointing season for the Tigers a year after winning the ACC championship. The Tigers’ five losses this season are their most since 2010.
- With Clemson experiencing one of its worst seasons under head coach Dabo Swinney, there's speculation that he could leave the program.
- While the team’s overall performance has regressed, QB Cade Klubnik is putting up impressive numbers. He’s fourth in the ACC in passing yards per game (267.0) and sixth in passing efficiency (149.3).
- The defense’s regression may have sparked that offensive uptick. Last season, the Tigers allowed 174 points in eight ACC matchups, which was the second-fewest. This season, they've already allowed 169 points, the sixth-most.
Louisville Cardinals Preview vs. Clemson
- Louisville is on its way to its best season since joining the ACC in 2014. They currently have two losses, which would be their fewest since 2013.
- The Cardinals’ offense took a devastating blow, as RB Isaac Brown will miss time because of a leg injury. He’s been one of the top RBs in the conference, as his 534 rushing yards against ACC opponents rank second.
- The defense has anchored the team for most of the season, ranking seventh in points allowed per game against ACC opponents (24.5) and third in total yards allowed per game (322.8).
Clemson vs. Louisville Picks for PrizePicks
Here are the Clemson vs. Louisville picks to target in PrizePicks' real-money college football game, including QB Cade Klubnik and RB Keyjuan Brown.
Louisville RB Keyjuan Brown Projection: 77.5 Rushing Yards
- Keyjuan Brown has rushed for more than 90 yards in three consecutive games. His 325 rushing yards from Week 9-11 are eighth in the FBS.
- In Week 11 against Cal, the redshirt sophomore posted career highs in carries (14) and rushing yards (136).
- Clemson is seventh in the ACC in rushing yards allowed per game to conference opponents (110.0).
- The three-star recruit’s 5.0 yards after contact from Weeks 9-11 are the second most among RBs with a minimum of 35 carries.
- The Tigers are 58th in average yards allowed after contact (2.8).
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik Projection: 260.5 Passing Yards
- Klubnik has more than 260 yards in three of his last five games. Those three games were against opponents ranked in the bottom six in passing yards per game yielded to conference opponents.
- Louisville is allowing 224.8 passing yards per game to ACC foes, fifth in the conference.
- Klubnik’s 70.4% completion rate against conference opponents ranks fifth in the ACC.
- The Cardinals have allowed the second-lowest completion percentage to ACC teams (58.1%).
- Opponents are pressuring the Tigers on 34.0% of their offensive snaps, per CFB Graphs, which is 82nd.
- UL gets pressure on 41.0% of its defensive snaps, which is good for fifth in the country.
Clemson RB Adam Randall Projection: 50.5 Rushing Yards
- Adam Randall has fewer than 50 rushing yards in four of his last five games and fewer than 11 carries in three of his last five.
- This is the former four-star recruit's first season as a full-time RB. In the previous three seasons at Clemson, he played WR.
- RB Gideon Davidson has cut into Randall’s workload, with the true freshman having double-digit carries in the past two games.
- Randall rushed for less than 4.0 yards per carry in four of his last five games.
- Louisville allows 3.3 yards per carry, seventh in the ACC.
- Clemson ranks 101st in the nation in average yards after contact (2.7).
- Opponents average 2.2 yards after contact against the Cardinals, which ranks ninth in the FBS.
Make Clemson vs. #20 Louisville Predictions on PrizePicks
Clemson and Louisville are playing for two different things. The Cardinals are trying to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive, while the Tigers aim to merely secure a bowl game invitation. Each team has something at stake, though, so this could still turn into an exciting matchup.
Tonight's ACC bout is a perfect spot to make CFB picks on PrizePicks. Just pick your players, predict More or Less on their weekly stat projections, and cash in if your picks are correct.
Check out the Playbook throughout the remainder of the CFB season for more analysis.
