Clemson shocks Louisville in thriller

Adam Randall powered through the defense for 105 yards and two touchdowns, propelling Clemson to a heart-stopping 20-19 win over No. 19 Louisville on Friday night. The Tigers (5-5, 4-4 ACC) seized control with Randall’s 1-yard touchdown dive with 7:16 left, capping a dramatic fourth-quarter goal-line stand. Earlier, Louisville (7-3, 4-3) had stuffed Clemson on a similar fourth-and-goal attempt, but the Tigers clawed their way back.

The Cardinals had their opportunities, including a 50-yard field goal attempt by Cooper Ranvier that veered wide left and a botched Clemson punt snap that handed Louisville the ball at the Tigers’ 23-yard line with 2:29 remaining. However, penalties—10 for 98 yards—derailed Louisville’s momentum, and Nick Keller missed a 46-yard field goal with 1:33 left.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney reflected on the game’s rollercoaster nature, saying, “We made enough mistakes to lose the game, and they made, obviously, mistakes, too. But we just made just a couple more critical plays than they did.” Louisville’s Jeff Brohm echoed the sentiment, lamenting his team’s lack of focus and discipline in key moments.

Despite converting just one of 13 third-down attempts and allowing 385 yards, the Tigers fought tooth and nail for the win. Cade Klubnik completed 22 of 34 passes for 187 yards. Louisville’s Keyjuan Brown rushed for 135 yards, and quarterback Miller Moss threw for 212 yards, but costly turnovers and penalties proved insurmountable. The victory also avenged Clemson’s loss to Louisville last season, marking the first time in over a decade that the Tigers have avoided consecutive losses to the same opponent.