Saturday, September 27, 2014

Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville

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The only blemish on Louisville's (3-1) record for the 2014 season is a tough 23-21 loss at Virginia. Besides that loss to a good Cavaliers team, the prodigal son has returned to Louisville and acted upon what he set out to do – make the Cardinals a potent offensive squad as they average 38 PPG. Louisville finds themselves a little banged up heading into Saturday's tilt with Wake Forest (2-2) but are still three TD favorites to push their record to 4-1.

The Demon Deacons are largely an enigma so far in 2014, mostly because their early opponents have included the likes of Gardner-Webb and Utah State. While Louisville was cranking out a dominating 31-13 win over Miami to start the season, Wake Forest was losing 17-10 at Louisiana-Monroe. The Demon Deacons have little to no running game as they put up just 42 YPG on the ground, second worse in the nation. QB John Wolford has been impressive in 3 straight weeks throwing for over 230 yards and 2 TD in each but the freshman is prone to turnovers with 7 INT already and could struggle in his first ACC matchup. All that considered, the Wake Forest defense is 12th in the nation against the pass, allowing only 148 YPG which could come in handy against Petrino's air raid.

Already missing Devante Parker (a senior who set the UL record with 12 receiving TD's in 2012) to a foot injury, the Cardinals could be without starting QB Will Gardner who injured his knee in a 34-3 win against FIU last week. If Parker can't go, freshman Reggie Bonnafon gets the start but is dealing with a heavy heart himself after the unexpected passing of his father a week ago. It seems that a passing attack that is averaging 252 yards a game could be a little thin going against a solid Demon Deacon secondary. There's little reprieve in the running game that ranks near the bottom 3rd in the FBS, despite having 3 different ball carriers who have broken the 90-yard mark in games this year.

Louisville may not have to score much if their 7th ranked defense can hold the fort against an overmatched Wake Forest offense. The Cardinal secondary is licking their lips to face Wake's freshman QB after picking off 7 balls already this year while taking one back to the house. It might end up being a much grittier conference win than expected, but Petrino and the gang should corral another one at home.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Trends

Wake Forest Demon Deacons are 2-2-0 Against the Spread

Wake Forest Demon Deacons are 1-2-0 against the Over/Under

Louisville Cardinals Betting Trends

Louisville Cardinals are 3-1-0 Against the Spread

Louisville Cardinals are 0-3-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

09/18/14 QB Travis Smith Personal has left team
09/12/14 C Cody Preble Dismissed has been dismissed
09/12/14 RB Dominique Gibson Dismissed has been dismissed
09/08/14 Backup QB Kevin Sousa Suspension out indefinitely
08/22/14 TE Zach Gordon Head out indefinitely
08/04/14 DL Johnny Garcia ACL out for season
08/02/14 DB James Ward Leg out indefinitely

Louisville Cardinals

09/21/14 RB L.J. Scott Ankle "?" Saturday vs. Wake Forest
09/21/14 Backup QB Reggie Bonnafon Personal "?" Saturday vs. Wake Forest
09/21/14 QB Will Gardner Knee injured last game, "?" Saturday vs. Wake Forest
08/25/14 WR DeVante Parker Foot out indefinitely
08/04/14 DB Jermaine Reve Knee out indefinitely

Josh's Pick: Take Louisville

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