Ky Derby week is over and now it’s time to get back to all things Louisville. For me, it’s time to start looking ahead to football season. Yes, we still have all summer but football season will be here before you know it. That’s why I want to go ahead and take a quick look at the highlights of the football schedule.* Home games are in red *
Sept 2 vs Alabama
Most schools start off their season playing directional state U. Ya know, easing their way into the season with a safe confidence building victory. Not Bobby Petrino – At least not this year. Even the most casual Louisville fan is aware that Louisville will open the season against perennial powerhouse Alabama. On Sept. 2 in Orlando, Fla. at the Camping World Stadium, Louisville will open its post Lamar Jackson era vs the defending national champions. Early Las Vegas point spreads have Bama a 4 touchdown favorite. While I’m not totally sure Louisville can win this game, I feel pretty confident they will stay within that 4 touchdown spread. I think too much emphasis is being put on the departures on defense and QB and the young talent on this team is being overlooked. This game should give Petrino a real insight as to what this team has and what adjustments he needs to make to compete in the ACC this season.
Sept 8 vs Indiana State
Yes, I included this game in the highlights of the schedule. There are 2 reasons why this game is important. 1) It’s the home opener and the first game at the newly renovated Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium. We have been waiting a while to see the finished product of the latest, and probably the last, expansion. The energy should be electric despite the opponent. 2) No matter how the game vs Alabama concludes, a follow-up game vs a team that was 0-11 last season is good for the team. If Louisville loses to Bama, a cupcake game will be good for confidence and will allow coach Petrino to tinker with line-up changes or adjustments that need to be made. If Louisville happens to pull off an upset of Bama, this game allows for the momentum to continue without putting any major physical strain on the starters coming off of what should be a very physical opening game.
Sept 29 vs Florida State
Florida State is coming off a disappointing 7-6 season and will likely have a new starting QB despite Francois still being on the team. They also will be bringing new head coach Willie Taggert. I don’t really know what to expect from FSU this season but whenever they come to town, it us usually fun. This is one of those games that could be very important to the final standings in the ACC.
Oct 5 vs Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech isn’t projected to be a national championship contender but this game is a very dangerous game for Louisville. It’s the first meeting between the two schools. This cross divisional matchup is intriguing because of the very dangerous triple option that Georgia Tech plays. The Tech run-oriented attack could give Louisville’s young defense fits and could have new defensive coordinator, Brian VanGorder, earning his money.
Nov 3 vs Clemson
The return trip to Death Valley. A place where Louisville came up just 1 yard short of victory in their last trip. Louisville has not beaten Clemson since joining the ACC and will be looking for some revenge after a lack luster showing at home last season in a 26 point loss. This is another tall task for the Cards as Clemson should have the best defense in the country.
Nov 24 vs Kentucky
Not really sure why I included this game because UK is not really important anymore. But to some people it’s still a highlight game. Sure I want to beat them but that’s no different that any other team on the schedule. It’s always fun to win the last game of the season, especially at home.
Per GoCards.com…
| Date | Opponent | Site | Series |
| Sept. 1 | vs. Alabama | Orlando, Fla. | Alabama leads, 2-1 |
| Sept. 8 | INDIANA STATE | LOUISVILLE, KY. | Louisville leads 6-3-1 |
| Sept. 15 | WESTERN KENTUCKY | LOUISVILLE, KY. | Louisville leads 19-12 |
| Sept. 22 | at Virginia | Charlottesville, Va. | Louisville leads 4-2 |
| Sept. 29 | FLORIDA STATE | LOUISVILLE, KY. | Florida State leads 14-4 |
| Oct. 5 | GEORGIA TECH | LOUISVILLE, KY. | First Meeting |
| Oct. 13 | at Boston College | Chestnut Hill, Mass. | Louisville leads 6-4 |
| Oct. 27 | WAKE FOREST | LOUISVILLE, KY. | Louisville leads 4-1 |
| Nov. 3 | at Clemson | Clemson, S.C. | Clemson leads 4-0 |
| Nov. 9 | at Syracuse | Syracuse, N.Y. | Louisville leads 10-6 |
| Nov. 17 | NC STATE | LOUISVILLE, KY. | Louisville leads 6-2 |
| Nov. 24 | KENTUCKY | LOUISVILLE, KY. | Series tied 15-15 |
As Always, GO CARDS!
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