Lakip's 3 field goals, Clemson's strong defense lead to 23-17 victory over Louisville

Clemson quarterback Cole Stoudt slips the tackle attempt of Louisville's Jermaine Reve during an NCAA college football game in Clemson, S.C., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. (AP Photo/ Richard Shiro) (The Associated Press)

Clemson's Garry Peters hits Louisville quarterback Reggie Bonnaton causing a fumble and a touchdown recovery by the Tigers during an NCAA college football game in Clemson, S.C., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. (AP Photo/ Richard Shiro) (The Associated Press)

CLEMSON, S.C. – Ammon Lakip bounced through the go-ahead, 40-yard field goal and Clemson stopped Louisville on fourth-and-goal from its 2 with 21 seconds remaining for a 23-17 victory Saturday.

The Tigers (4-2, 3-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) held on despite losing freshman phenom quarterback Deshaun Watson to injury in the second quarter. But it took a dramatic late stop to do it after Will Gardner's 73-yard pass to James Quick put the Cardinals (5-2, 3-2) on Clemson's 8 with 1:08 left.

Gardner was forced to spike the ball on third down to stop the clock at the Tigers 2 on third down. After rolling right on the final play, defensive tackle DeShawn Williams batted away the pass. Clemson's Cole Stoudt ran a final play from the 1 and Tigers fans filled the field in celebration.