Louisville football tries to get things back on track, hosting another American foe in South Florida.
Yeah, whatever. Let’s talk about it.
First Down: What to Know
Who: South Florida at Louisville
Where: Cardinal Stadium | Louisville, KY
When: Noon ET | Saturday, September 24th
How to watch:
In Louisville- Bally Sports South (Charter/ Spectrum: 722, 810, or 811. DirecTV: 646) or Watch ESPN
Outside of Louisville- Local RSN station or Watch ESPN
Series: Louisville leads 6-5
Last Meeting: Louisville won in Tampa 31-3 in 2013
Win Streak: Louisville has won 3 consecutive meetings
Tickets: Available as low as $11 here
Weather Check: 70 and partly cloudy at kick-off
Spread Check: Louisville -14.5
O/U: 64.5
Thread Check:
A tried and true classic.
Confidence level: Marc Weinberg snowfall metrics in March
Second Down: Players to Watch
Tiyon Evans, Louisville RB
The Louisville staff said their starter is back and ready to go.
Evans’ presence was certainly felt in the first two games of the season against Syracuse and UCF.
UofL needs him to be a tone-setter this week.
Gerry Bohanon, USF QB
Louisville has faced four running QBs in three games. Bohanan makes it five in four games.
If you are assessing Bohanon’s ability as a passer, he falls somewhere between Syracuse’s Garrett Shrader and UCF’s John Rhys Plumlee.
Bohanan is much more of a threat with his legs than his arm. Coupled with a dynamic running back duo, Louisville’s primary concern is his ability to get first downs with his legs.
Kenderick Duncan, Louisville Safety
It’s never a good sign when your leading tackler also leads the country in missed tackles.
That is the case for Louisville football and Duncan.
After looking pretty solid at UCF, he was a shell of that player against Florida State. According to PFF, Duncan missed 7 tackles last Friday. Yikes.
The good and/or bad news is Duncan should have plenty more opportunities to redeem himself.
Mekhi LaPointe, USF DB
USF’s leading tackler also has a sack and a pick this year.
The fifth-year senior has been a dog his entire career for the Bulls.
Louisville receivers have struggled to get separation. Can they take advantage of a bigger, more physical USF secondary?
Third Down: Match-ups to watch
Malik Cunningham vs. USF run defense
This is a match-up of two of the worst run defenses in the country.
I have been on my soapbox all year about how Louisville needs to get Cunningham out of the pocket and give him chances to both run and pass on most plays. That is where he is the most dangerous. This will give him more opportunities to utilize his strengths.
This may be a game where Louisville can impose its will on the ground.
USF running backs vs. UofL front seven
Brian Battie and Jared Mangham comprise a really solid backfield that has been getting it down on the ground for the Bulls.
Battie averages 10 yards per carry while leading the team in attempts.
While the Bulls have yet to score through the air this year, they have been dominant in the running game.
Meanwhile, Louisville has proven susceptible to big plays all over the field.
The Cardinals will have to find a way to bring consistency up front, or USF will be a tough out.
Fourth Down: Predictions
Presley Meyer
Louisville 42, USF 28
Spencer Brown
Louisville 21, USF 3
Brian Trent
Louisville 24, USF 17
Alan Thomas
Louisville 31, USF 13
Vince Lococo
Louisville 14, USF 28
Jacob Lane
Louisville 35, USF 24
Matt McGavic
Louisville 42, USF 17
