Cardinal football in August? Sign me up!
The Louisville Cardinals open up their 2024 football season at home on August 31st. Therefore, it’s time for me to give you my annual game by game predictions.
Last year I said best case scenario would be a 10-2 regular season. Turns out, the Cards hit the best case. Actually, in my opinion, the Cards should have been 11-1.
At first glance of the schedule, it appears to be tougher than last year despite avoiding ACC championship contenders Florida State and NC State. But road games against Notre Dame, Clemson and Kentucky as well as home games against Miami and SMU look to make getting back to a 1o win regular season very challenging. The schedule is bacloaded with some tough games that will ultimately determine if this season is a successful one.
Now let’s get to MY annal accurate predictions,
Saturday, August 31st vs Austin Peay
You don’t need to do a ton of research to now Louisville is the better team and should be heavily favored. Should be a great opener to get plenty of reps for the younger guys.
Cards win 42-7 Win probability 97.2%
Saturday, September 7th vs Jacksonville State
Jack State is better than Austin Peay but the final result at L&N Stadium will be the same. Jack State had a decent defense last year but they just don’t stack up talent wise.
* This is the Salute to Service game. You can donate tickets or request tickets for veterans on the link below.
Cards win 31-10 Win probability 88.9%
Saturday, September 14th – BYE WEEK
Saturday, September 21st vs Georgia Tech
The ACC opener foe is the same as last season. Hopefully the result will be the same as well but just not as close as the 5 point victory the Cards pulled off in Atlanta in game 1 of the 2023 season.Georgia Tech can run the ball effectively but the Cards D will be ready.
Cards win 28-17 Win probability 78.4%
Saturday, September 28th @ Notre Dame
Notre Dame is preseason ranked #7. This is going to be a flat out war. Cards will battle and battle against a stout ND defense. But in the end, Notre Dame is just deeper with talent and are able to hold off the Cards.
Cards lose 24-14 Win probability 23.9%
Saturday, October 5th vs SMU
Welcome to the ACC. Your reward is coming in to face a pissed off Louisville team coming off a tough loss. Louisville will be looking to make a statement here but SMU is a really good team and this game will be much closer than most would like. In the end, the Cards line is just better.
Cards win 28-24 Win probability 60.5%
Saturday, October 12th @ Virginia
I never like playing in Charlottesville. Virginia lost 5 games last season by a touchdown or less. This game will be close in the 3rd quarter but in the end, the Cards playmakers will make plays.
Cards win 31-24 Win probability 74.2%
Saturday, October 19th vs Miami
Every year I hear “The U is back.” There is no denying they usually have one of the most talented rosters in the league. This year is no different and their #19 preseason ranking leads you to believe this is going to be a really good team. The problem with Miami isn’t talent…. it’s coaching. And their coach isn’t new so I believe once again the The U isn’t back. Beware though, Miami is still a good team and being at home gives the Cards a slight advantage in this 50/50 game.This is a must win for a successful season.
Cards win 35-31 Win probability 56.4%
Friday, October 25th @ Boston College
I believe Boston College is on the rise and could have a really good offense. I really like their quarterback Thomas Castellanos but I don’t think BC has enough pieces to get the W at home here.
Cards win 28-21 Win probability 67.7%
Saturday, November 2nd @ Clemson
Clemson is preseason ranked #14 and I think they will be favored over the Cards by about 10 points. I think the Cards would be in a prime spot for an upset if this game was at home. But at Clemson is a different animal. Cards play well but fall a little short here.
Cards lose 28-24 Win probability 36.3%
Saturday, November 9th – BYE WEEK
Saturday, November 16th @ Stanford
A trip all the way across the country might be what some say is a recipe for an upset. Coach Brohm will have them ready and will try to make a west coast statement here. Card win big!
Cards win 35-17 Win probability 64%
Saturday, November 23rd vs Pittsburgh
Louisville is just better than Pitt and Pitt struggles on offense. Louisville should win this easy but no ACC games are ever easy.
Cards win 28-13 Win probability 74.8%
Saturday, November 30th @ Kentucky
Louisville has been on the wrong end of the rivalry for a while now despite a couple a games being vacated, those game happened. I think Louisville is a better team this year and it’s tine for the governors cup to swing back the other way. But it’s a rivalry game on the road so it will be a battle until the end.
Cards win 35-31 Win probability 55.7%
Best case scenario 11-1
Worst case scenario 7-5
My Realistic Prediction 9-3
As Always, GO CARDS!
