LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — That’s it. Not just the ACC title hopes. Not just the playoff talk. But the illusion.

The illusion that this Louisville team could grow out of its mistakes, tighten the screws, clean itself up and become something more.

On Friday night, under the lights, with every chance to be different, they were exactly who they've been all season. And it cost them again.

Clemson 20, Louisville 19.

Penalties. Missed kicks. Offensive anemia.

A one-point loss that felt like déjà vu wrapped in groundhog fur. Louisville outgained Clemson 385 to 308, averaged more yards per play, didn’t throw an interception, had two makeable field goal chances late for the win, and still walked off the field as if it had been mugged in prime time.

The theme of this season has been death by det

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