Tale Of The Tape: Cavaliers vs Cardinals

This week, the Cardinals host the Virginia Cavaliers in an equally competitive matchup. The Cardinals are leading the overall series 5-4. This matchup has been close since the Cardinals and Cavaliers became cross division rivals in 2014. Virginia took last years meeting in Charlottesville 31-17. The Cards are 4-0 vs Virginia in Louisville.

When we look at the statistics, both the offense and defense are comparable. Where we see the biggest difference is in each offense’s total yards and passing yards per game. The Cardinals’ total offensive yards and passing yards are inferior to that of UVA’s. However, UVA’s rushing attack isn’t the best. Louisville appears to have an advantage on the ground. The Louisville offense is definitely more balanced compared to the pass-heavy Hoos.

In order for us to win this game, the Cardinals need to ensure that our offensive play calls create first downs with a mixture of rush and pass plays. The Cards will need to capitalize in the red zone while our defense holds the Cavaliers passing attack under their near-400 yards per game average. UofL will need to control their ground attack as well, but their air attack is far more of a concern.

The Cardinals (3-2)(1-1 ACC) are coming off a loss to Wake Forest 37-34. The Cavaliers(3-2)(1-2 ACC) are coming off 30-28 win over Miami. Here is the tale of the tape when looking at the Cardinals versus the Cavaliers.

(Stats courtesy of ESPN)