CLEMSON — Running back Phil Mafah was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing offensive performance by the Clemson Tigers in their 33-21 loss to Louisville Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Mafah accounted for two of the Tigers’ three touchdowns and added 171 rushing yards and 199 all-purpose in a losing effort. His first big play of the night came in the second quarter when he broke free for a 24-yard gain to put Clemson close.

The Tigers could not come up with any points on the possession, however, as Louisville blocked Nolan Hauser’s field goal just before the end of the half.

Clemson (6-2, 5-1 ACC) came up emptyhanded again on a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter after the senior broke free for another long run.

Mafah says his focus is on the future, not the mistakes and misfires against the Cardinals.

“You can’t let this loss carry into next week because it can affect us,” he said.  “Coach [Dabo Swinney] talks about how you’re going to get knocked down in life, things aren’t going to happen how you expect them to happen. It’s just about how you respond, so we just have to respond. It’s where the leadership has to show the most.” 

The Tigers will not have long to wait until they have a chance to respond to what happened on Saturday night in Death Valley. Clemson begins a two-game-road-stretch this week as they head up to Blacksburg, Va., to take on Virginia Tech.

After the Virginia Tech game, the Tigers will venture to Pittsburgh for their final conference matchup of the regular season.

In preparation for the road trip, Mafah is going to stick to being himself.

“Me personally, I’m going to lead by example,” the Loganville, Ga., native said. “I’m just keeping my basic routine and bringing that same energy to practice. Just showing up and being the same guy because a new week means another opportunity, and that’s just the mindset that we have.”