As No. 11 Clemson (6-1, 5-0) gears up for a critical home matchup against Louisville (5-3, 3-2), graduate senior safety RJ Mickens discussed their upcoming battle with the ACC rival.
With Louisville’s offense averaging 460 yards and over 36 points per game, Mickens acknowledged the challenge awaiting them on Saturday.
“They’ve got a very experienced quarterback; it’s his seventh year,” Mickens commented on Tuesday, referring to Louisville’s veteran quarterback Tyler Shough, who previously played at Oregon (2018-20) and Texas Tech (2021-23). “He actually hosted me during a high school visit when he was at Oregon. He’s a really good player, makes smart decisions with the ball. And they have some really good receivers, too, so it’s going to be a tough game.”
Currently, Shough is tied with Clemson’s quarterback Cade Klubnik with 20 touchdowns (fourth in the nation) and averages an impressive 293 yards per game, ranking 11th in the NCAA. Shough’s main target, Ja’Corey Brooks, an Alabama transfer, leads the team with 44 receptions, 799 yards, and eight touchdowns. His total yards and touchdowns both rank eighth nationally.
Receivers Chris Bell, with 20 receptions, and tight end Mark Redman, who has three touchdowns this season, are also key targets for Shough.
The Clemson secondary is currently allowing 218 passing yards per game, placing them 69th in the nation—a drop from their No. 8 ranking last year, when they allowed just 173 yards.
Mickens identified some specific areas where they need to improve to contain the Cardinals’ passing game.
“We just need to be more disciplined and finish those competitive plays,” Mickens said. “We can’t give up explosive passes, and we really have to maintain solid leverage on the football from the outside while tackling well.”
Clemson’s defense ranks 52nd nationally, allowing an average of 348 yards per game—not quite where they expected to be.
How does Mickens evaluate the unit so far?
“We need to be more consistent. I feel like we’re kind of boom or bust,” he admitted, recognizing the defense’s tendency to oscillate between impressive plays and costly mistakes. “We’re really good sometimes, but then there’s a big play we give up—just careless stuff.”
“Things happen when you play defense,” the Southlake, Texas native explained. “Offenses plan for us, too, and they’re good. So, I don’t think it’s unusual for things to go wrong occasionally. It’s all about everyone taking ownership, being locked in every play. There’s a lot of room for growth.”
Despite the ups and downs, Mickens remains confident in the defense, noting they’ve held opponents to just over two touchdowns in five straight wins, with most points scored after backup players were on the field.
“We still have room to grow, and we need to develop depth beyond the first group. We have to eliminate that boom-or-bust issue, but I still think we’re an elite defense.”
Last Friday, Louisville defeated Boston College 31-27 on the road after overcoming a 10-27 deficit in the third quarter. Shough threw for 332 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, while Brooks had eight receptions for 120 yards.
Clemson last played on Oct. 19 at Memorial Stadium, defeating Virginia 49-31. Although they limited the Cavaliers to 346 total yards, they allowed back-to-back touchdowns and 140 yards (129 passing) late in the fourth quarter.
Reflecting on the team’s preparation for Saturday, Mickens said, “We’re putting in the work, trying to clean up things from two weeks ago, learning from those mistakes against Virginia, and focusing on the small details that could cost us.”
