PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Trevor Lawrence will be looking for his third consecutive 300-yard passing day in just the fifth start of his career on Saturday against Louisville. He also leads all FBS freshmen with 16 touchdown passes and a passing efficiency rating of 162.4. Said Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables of the Tigers’ fast-rising star: “It has been fun to watch him get more and more comfortable. What y’all see is what we’ve been seeing really since he got here. It’s only going to get better, and it’s pretty dang good right now.”
–RB Travis Etienne was held under 45 yards for a second straight game last week, but could be primed for another breakout against a Louisville defense that allows more than 250 yards per game on the ground and ranks 124 nationally against the run. With 14 rushing touchdowns this season, Etienne is just four shy of breaking the single-season school record. “He likes to be coached,” Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said. “He knows he’s talented — he’s not conceited in that, but he knows he can run, he knows he’s physical, but he also knows that he doesn’t understand all of the schemes yet.”
–WR Amari Rodgers finally had his breakout game last week at Florida State, accumulating 218 all-purpose yards in a romp at Florida State. Rodgers, a sophomore, caught six passes for 156 yards and two long touchdowns of 58 and 68 yards. He also had two punt returns for 62 yards. “It was a huge game for him — definitely one of those games that could give you a big boost,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “He’s been consistent, but he just hadn’t had that big explosive play. I’m really happy for him. He’s a very well-rounded player.”
–DE Justin Foster maximized his playing time against Florida State last week. A backup to All-American candidate Clelin Ferrell at defensive end, Foster played only 20 snaps, but wound up sharing the team lead with five tackles and posting a team-best 2 1/2 tackles for loss. “It’s huge each week knowing you’re going to play, so each week you prepare like you’re the starter,” Foster said. “You never know when you might go in.”
SERIES HISTORY: Clemson leads the series, 5-0.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “You’re trying to focus and get mad and put everybody on edge at practice, then he comes up and pinches you on the booty. It’s like, ‘Hey man, this ain’t the time! I’m not happy.’ But that’s who he is.” — Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables on defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
