Welcome to another Thursday night edition of the Titans fan guide! This week we have an ACC affair between conference favorite Clemson and struggling Louisville. Former Tigers QB Charlie Whitehurst and CB Coty Sensabaugh might have an interest in this game along with former Cardinals WR Harry Douglas. Can the heavy underdog Cardinals pull off the upset over the Tigers? Is there a future Titan on both of these rosters?
#11 Clemson at Louisville 7:30 PM EDT ESPN
- The reeling Cardinals face a must win situation against Clemson to avoid a 0-3 start to 2015. Can they stop the slide against a young but talented Tigers team? Louisville lost in heartbreaking fashion to Auburn in the season opener after a last minute timeout gaffe made by Bobby Petrino. The Cardinals lost last week in upset fashion to Houston 34-31. Clemson is off to a 2-0 start after blowout wins against lowly Wofford and Appalachian State. They are led by true sophomore sensation QB DeShaun Watson, who has shown no ill effects after tearing his ACL in November against South Carolina last year. Tonight is the ACC opener for both teams. Apparently Louisville will feature "new" blackout uniforms for this game with their chrome dark red helmets.
Louisville prospects to watch
Devonte Fields 6’4 254 DE RS Junior - Fields is an interesting name that transferred to Louisville after being forced to play at the JUCO level after being dismissed from TCU for a domestic violence issue. He was dominant during his freshman season, putting up 10 sacks en route to Big 12 DPOY honors. However, the off field issues will haunt him if and when he goes pro. Has two years left to play. Sheldon Rankins 6’1 303 DE/DT Senior - Lorenzo Mauldin who? Rankins was the leading tackler and sacker for the Cardinals last year. He’s a versatile lineman that can play both inside and outside. Better suited for tackle given his ability to occupy multiple blockers and limited athleticism. Has the potential to be Jurrell Casey 2.0 given their similar dimensions and production. Josh Harvey-Clemons 6’5 230 S RS Junior - JHC was a transfer from the University of Georgia after being dismissed from the program for multiple violations of team policy. He has very good size for a safety that could eventually move down a level to linebacker. Followed DC Todd Grantham out of Athens. Clemson prospects to watch Mackensie Alexander 5’11 185 CB RS Sophomore - Alexander is the second best corner in the conference. He boldly claimed that he was the best corner in the ACC and he just might have the skills to back it up. Fundamentally sound and is very coachable. Athleticism is above average as well. However, Alexander is old for a RS Sophomore at 22 years old. Mike Williams 6’3 205 WR Junior - The heir apparent to Sammy Watkins has a starting job to call his own after a standout sophomore campaign. Williams is essentially Martavis Bryant 2.0 as his route running skills haven’t fully developed yet and is known as a deep threat only. He could be the nation’s top receiver by the end of 2015. Has very good body control and ball skills. Had a major health scare (was carted off) in the first game due to a collision with the goalpost but should be ready to go tonight. Jayron Kearse 6’4 205 S Junior - Kearse is one of the top safeties in the ACC, if not the entire country. Athleticism is off the charts good but he needs to work on fundamentals. Very inexperienced with only 17 career starts. Needs an NFL strength and conditioning program desperately as frame cannot hold up for 16+ games as presently constituted. NFL bloodlines are impressive as any prospect in this year’s class. He’s a cousin of former Miami Hurricane DB Phillip Buchanon (who had a good career with the 49ers after his career with the storied early 2000s Canes teams). The last name should be very familiar to Titans fans as he’s the nephew of former Titans standout pass rusher Jevon Kearse.