For the second game of the Saturday slate we head to the Bluegrass state. Louisville, KY is the site of the game between the hosts the Louisville Cardinals and the visiting Jacksonville St Gamecocks. Below I will breakdown the matchup and give who I have my money on. Let’s dive in… see you in the DEEP WATERS!!!
After winning nine games in their inaugural season as a Conference USA member, expectations for the Gamecocks were very high going into the season. Unfortunately, they laid an egg in their first game, getting blown out at home by Coastal Carolina 55-27.
In that game as an offense the Gamecocks threw for 234 yards and rushed for 123. Tyler Huff is QB1 for Jacksonville St and he completed 50 percent of his passes for 173 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions against Coastal Carolina. Tre Stewart had four carries for 62 yards and one touchdown, while Michael Pettway had one reception for 92 yards and one touchdown. Offensively Jacksonville State will have to be smarter with the football or this one against Louisville can and will get ugly.
Jacksonville State didn’t play well defensively in their first game, giving up 55 points in the loss. They gave up a total of 552 yards, 258 passing and 294 on the ground. Against a Louisville team that almost put up 300 on the ground last week, that will need to be addressed or it will be a long day for this unit.
The Cardinals won 10 games last season in their first year under head coach Jeff Brohm, losing to Florida State in the conference championship game. This season, they got off to a great start and won their first game against Austin Peay 62-0.
In that first game Louisville threw for 278 yards and rushed for 293 yards in the win over the Governors. Tyler Shough is QB1 for the Cardinals and he completed 75 percent of his passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns in the win. Isaac Brown had five carries for 123 yards and one touchdown, while Ja’Corey Brooks had seven catches for 83 yards and one touchdown.
Louisville dominated Austin Peay defensively in their first game and didn’t give up a point in the win. They will need a similar defensive effort against the Gamecocks if they want to get the win. This unit has a very good front seven and if the secondary plays their part this unit is a very solid one every time they touch the field.
I think Louisville wins this one in a big way. Personally Jacksonville State played poorly at home to a Coastal Carolina team that lost their stud QB to the transfer portal and their top two playmakers. Giving up almost 600 yards of offense is just downright poor and against a Louisville team that can win on the ground or in the air, I just don’t see that getting fixed in one weeks time. My money is backing the Cardinals in this game and giving the points. Louisville -28 is my ticket.
Below are the three major factors for what I like in this game.
- I really like the balance of this Cardinals offense. They can run the ball for explosive plays and they can win downfield via the air as well. Tyler Shough is an experienced and solid QB1 and I do not see him putting the ball in harms way in this game. If Louisville plays a clean game, this ticket should cash.
- Like previously mentioned, Jacksonville St just gave up 552 total yards of offense to Coastal Carolina at home. I do not see that getting fixed in one weeks time and then on the road to a team that is competing to win the ACC.
- Louisville’s front seven on defense. This unit gets after it and I think they emphasize stopping the run to make Tyler Huff throw the ball and beat them via the air. Huff is coming off a two interception game and if he improves and that is how this ticket gets beat, then I can live with that.
OFFICIAL PLAY: Louisville -28; 1.1 units to win 1 unit
Season Record: 5-1 +4 units
