It’s no secret that there are plenty of questions about this years Louisville football team. All you have to do is pick up any college football magazine or google ACC college football and you read all about how Louisville doesn’t have Lamar Jackson. If you keep reading, you will be reminded of how Louisville lost so many starters on the defensive side of the ball and how they will have their 3rd defensive coordinator in 3 years.
They were kind enough to point out that the Louisville receivers, led by Jaylen Smith, are very good. They also point out that Jawon Pass is a highly touted quarterback that should thrive under Bobby Petrino.
However, besides the receivers, most of the talent that Louisville will run out onto the field is unproven. At least unproven as a unit.
There is plenty of talent on both sides of the ball but without seeing them produce as a team, these national publications will not predict Louisville to be anything more than a middle of the pack ACC team.
ACC Atlantic predictions from The Sporting News
1. Clemson
2. Florida State
3. N.C. State
4. Louisville
5. Wake Forest
6. Boston College
7. Syracuse
ACC Football 2018 Predictions from Athlon Sports
Atlantic Division |
||||
| Rank | Team | Projected ACC Record | Projected Overall Record | |
| 1 | Clemson |  |
7-1 | 12-1 |
| 2 | Florida State |  |
6-2 | 9-3 |
| 3 | NC State |  |
4-4 | 8-4 |
| 4 | Wake Forest |  |
4-4 | 7-5 |
| 5 | Boston College |  |
3-5 | 6-6 |
| 6 | Louisville |  |
3-5 | 6-6 |
| 7 | Syracuse |  |
3-5 | 6-6 |
Westgate Las Vegas ACC Over/Under win totals…
- Clemson: 11 (Over EVEN, Under -120)
- Miami: 10 (Over EVEN, Under -120)
- Virginia Tech: 8.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
- Florida State: 7.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
- Louisville: 7 (Over -110, Under -110)
- NC State: 7 (Over -110, Under -110)
- Duke: 6.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
- Syracuse: 6 (Over -110, Under -110)
- Wake Forest: 6 (Over -120, Under EVEN)
- Boston College: 5.5 (Over -120, Under EVEN)
- Georgia Tech: 5.5 (Over -120, Under EVEN)
- Pittsburgh: 5.5 (Over EVEN, Under -120)
- North Carolina: 5 (Over EVEN, Under -120)
- Virginia: 5 (Over -110, Under -110)
I’m quite sure the team has seen all of these predictions as well as many others. I am also sure the coaching staff has some of these predictions as well as other quotes from national haters, hanging in the locker room.
What I can tell you for sure is that many of these national publications have not watched video or even seen guys like Rodjay Burns, P.J. Mbanasor, Boosie Whitlow, Mike Boykin, Jared Goldwire and Quen Head, who all have played college football at places other than Louisville. These guys are all talented and can contribute right away.
It is my belief that after the season opener against Alabama, many of those same national publications will start to take notice of the talent Louisville has assembled on this years team.
I’m not predicting a victory in the opener but rather a national eye-opener. In fact, this defense will be better than last year and the team as a whole may end up being better but not as flashy.
Louisville has always thrived as an underdog and this season won’t be any different. After I heard that Louisville was picked to finish 5th in the ACC at the annual ACC media day, I was confident that this team felt the slight and put that chip on its shoulder.
You should see this unproven wealth of talent play the whole season with that chip on its shoulder.
I have faith in them and I am ready for an exciting ride.
As Always, GO CARDS!
