Clemson survived a night of miscues and late drama to edge No. 19 Louisville 20-19 on Friday at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Adam Randall powered the Tigers (5-5, 3-5 ACC) with 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score on a 1-yard plunge with 7:16 remaining. It came on Clemson’s second fourth and goal attempt from the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter. Louisville stuffed the first try moments earlier.
Louisville (7-3, 4-3 ACC) had multiple chances to reclaim the lead but faltered each time. Cooper Ranvier, who missed an extra point earlier, pushed a 50-yard field goal wide left with 4:06 to play. After Clemson went three-and-out, a botched punt snap handed the Cardinals the ball at the Tigers’ 23 with 2:29 remaining.
Penalties were a theme all night and derailed Louisville again. A false start and an unsportsmanlike conduct flag knocked the Cardinals out of rhythm, and backup kicker Nick Keller missed a 46-yard attempt with 1:33 left to seal Clemson’s win.
The Tigers overcame a brutal offensive night, converting just 1-of-13 third downs and producing 308 total yards. Cade Klubnik finished 22-of-34 for 187 yards. His second game this season without a touchdown and the lowest amount of passing yards in 23 contests.
Louisville outgained Clemson with 385 yards, led by Keyjuan Brown’s 135 rushing yards on 15 carries. Miller Moss threw for 212 yards, while Caullin Lacy totaled 60 receiving yards and completed a trick-play touchdown pass.
The Tigers tried to give the game away, but the win keeps their 20-year bowl streak alive with two chances to secure eligibility. Dabo Swinney is now 4-5 against ranked teams going back to 2023.
As for Louisville, ten penalties and two costly missed field goals ended any remaining ACC title hopes and extended the Cardinals’ struggles against Clemson to 1-9 all time.
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