Looking ahead at the schedule, it looks likely the Cards can win six games and become bowl eligible. However, it won’t be easy. Currently sitting at four wins, the Cards just need to win two of their remaining four regular season games. Three of those games are home games.
First step, beat Clemson?
Nah, not necessary, but it would be great.
I know Clemson is not having their best year ever, but they are still a team loaded with talented players. Clemson will come in to Louisville with a struggling offense and a top three defense. Clemson is only giving up 15.2 points per game while Louisville is scoring just under 30 points per game. While I believe this will be a low scoring game that Louisville will have many opportunities to win, I think they fall just short.
Louisville falls to 4-5
Next up, Syracuse.
This now becomes the most important game of the season. Almost a must win.
A few weeks ago I would have said Louisville has a 90% chance to win. However, Syracuse has been playing better as of late. The Orange lost to Clemson by three points, and just before that they lost to #19 Wake Forest by three points in overtime. Prior to those two close games, the Orange had a three-point loss at Florida State. After those three straight three-point losses, Syracuse would go on to beat Virginia Tech and Boston College. Despite Syracuse playing well lately, I think the Cards having this game at home is the difference. It may be closer than most would want, but a victory is a victory.
Louisville moves to 5-5
| Opponent | Preseason Win % | Current Win % |
|---|---|---|
| Clemson | 9% | 29.8% |
| Syracuse | 85% | 62.7% |
With just one more win needed to become bowl eligible, the Cards head to Duke on a Thursday night. A Thursday night matchup in North Carolina is just what the doctor ordered. Duke has exactly 0 ACC wins. They have three wins on the season that include Kansas, North Carolina A&T, and Northwestern. The Cards take care of business as expected.
Louisville improves to 6-5
Rivalry game to end the season.
If you ask most UK fans, they think this is an easy win for them. Despite what the fans think, they still have to play the game. And this game is at Cardinal Stadium. Now that doesn’t guarantee a win, but it should help the Cards. More often than not, the team that wins the rushing battle wins the game. Louisville is rushing for 202.8 yards per game (28th). Kentucky rushes for 175.2 YPG (56th). This game should be an absolute battle and one every fan should want to be in attendance for despite the weather. I’m not quite ready to give a prediction yet, but I like the Cards chances to win.
Louisville gets a bowl invite.
| Opponent | Preseason Win % | Current Win % |
|---|---|---|
| Duke | 66.7% | 81.1% |
| UK | 57.6% | 50.1% |
- Win % are from ESPN FPI ratings.
As Always, GO CARDS!
