Sat Nov 09 14:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Clemson’s Run Defense Crumbles in Upset Loss to Louisville

**Clemson, SC** – The No. 23 Clemson Tigers suffered a shocking 33-21 upset loss to No. 22 Louisville on Saturday, with their once-vaunted run defense proving to be a major liability. The Cardinals racked up 210 rushing yards, averaging 7.8 yards per carry, the most Clemson has allowed this season.

The Cardinals’ success was fueled by six big plays, including four rushes over 20 yards, highlighting Clemson’s struggles to set the edge, fill gaps, and secure tackles.

“I thought we got our butts kicked,” admitted Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. “I didn’t think we were physical enough, didn’t play hard enough. You just burn the tape.”

The issue wasn’t just a one-game blip. Clemson’s run defense has been inconsistent all season, ranking 59th in the nation. While they had improved in recent weeks, the Louisville game saw them revert to their earlier struggles.

The loss of several defensive linemen to injury, including Peter Woods, DeMonte Capehart, and Tré Williams, played a role in the poor performance. However, the overall issues run deeper, raising concerns for a team hoping to make the College Football Playoff.

“We haven’t played like a Clemson defense should play this whole year,” said linebacker Barrett Carter. “We have the right guys in the locker room… I have no doubt that we’ll be OK.”

Clemson’s defensive struggles are a stark contrast to their dominant performances under former defensive coordinator Brent Venables. While the team’s talent pool is still strong, the unit’s recent decline has coincided with the departure of several star players to the NFL.

Swinney, however, remains confident in his team’s ability to turn things around. He emphasized the need for improved technique and coaching, stating that “the players need to improve, and coaches, myself included, must teach them better to correct routine things.”

Clemson’s next challenge comes on the road against a Virginia Tech team that averages 201.4 rushing yards per game. Whether they can fix their run defense and stay in the playoff hunt will be a major test for the Tigers.

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