Halftime Analysis: Louisville gives Clemson everything it can in halftime

CLEMSON – The Tigers wanted this to be a November to remember.

Louisville decided to give them a game they wouldn't forget.

The Cardinals once again faced a top-class opponent and lived up to the challenge.

The Tigers trailed at halftime for the first time since Georgia, with the Cardinals leading 17-7.

Here's what we observed.

Player of the half: Dabo Swinney said Cade KlubnikHis legs would play a role on Saturday night.

So far this has been proven to be the case. Once again, Klubnik continued to orchestrate Riley's offense well, finding his freshman wideouts for crucial conversions.

It wasn't the flashy night of attack fans were hoping for, but when Klubnik needed to make a move, he answered the call.

Halftime statistics: Louisville's first-half penalties actually prevented the Cardinals from getting multiple shots on goal.

On both trips to the red zone, illegal shifts and procedural penalties killed promising drives for the Louisville offense.

They currently have four penalties for 20 yards while Clemson has four for 39 yards.

The Tigers took advantage of those mistakes, and those mistakes kept it a close game early in the second half.

What works for Clemson: As the offense moved into a fast rhythm, good things continued to happen.

It wasn't the best start for the Tiger offense in front of the goal, but Clemson's third drive gave the roaring home crowd reason to cheer.

TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco both scored key conversions, and the jumbo package was a haunting sight for the Louisville defense.

The Tiger offense couldn't get through Phil Mafah Constantly involved, but the senior tailback has slowly become a test for any Cardinal defender that comes his way.

What doesn't work at Clemson: Chunk plays hurt the Tigers in the first half, losing more than ten yards per rush.

The Cardinals attacked the edge of Clemson's defensive line, particularly with Peter Woods absent to defend his side.

Isaac Brown, Louisville's freshman phenom, also continued to have an outstanding first year with the Cardinals, making big gains in the second quarter.

Between chunk plays caused by Tiger penalties and the Cardinals forcing the issue, Wes GoodwinIn the second half, the defense is in front of them.

What the Tigers need to do to win: Swinney said Louisville is Clemson's biggest test since Georgia.

So far he has been right.

The Tigers will need to continue to use Klubnik's legs as a spark plug for the offense, as the junior already has several conversions on the floor.

Defensively, Clemson will have to limit big plays on the ground and force Tyler Shough into awkward situations, something the seventh-year quarterback at Clemson didn't face often tonight.