CSZ Staff Season Predictions

Jeremy Wahman 10-2

We split Clemson/Miami & lose one we shouldn’t like normal. This is the first time in history that we will make the CFP. Good passing attack, Great rushing attack & above average defense.

Jeff Nunn 9-3

Early success in the schedule sets up for a tough stretch run. After likely going 7-0. the Cards lose focus and get upset by Virginia Tech. They drop a tough battle against Clemson. I just feel like they might drop one more and I’m not sure who sneaks up on us but I know it won’t be the Nov 22nd game. Hopefully they don’t drop that 3rd game and go 10-2.

Dalton Pence 9-3

Louisville’s offense might be the most talented that Jeff Brohm has had/will ever had. Defense will be under a microscope this season, and much of the success will be reliant on that side of the football to be serviceable.

Justin Krueger 9-3

I’ve floated back and forth between 8-4 and 9-3, and I’m going with the latter here. Louisville does have a deceptively challenging schedule, but having eight home games is a huge relief. Jeff Brohm & company should be up for the task once again.

The offense should once again be dynamic. Louisville has an electric duo at running back, and I’m expecting Isaac Brown to contend for both All-ACC and All-American honors. The key will be for Miller Moss to avoid turnovers, and for the offensive line to be a driving force for the team all season.

As for the defense, all I can do is wait and see what the final product looks like with all the newcomers. If it’s the same defense from last season with communication problems in pass coverage, Louisville could lose a few and drop a game that they shouldn’t. If there’s an improvement and the defense shows an ability to stop the run and play decent to solidly against the pass, then we can start wondering about more optimistic possibilities.

All in all, I think Louisville will have another season like the last two with head coach Jeff Brohm. They’ll be in the mix for the ACC, they’ll get another upset between Clemson / Miami / SMU (maybe two), and a couple losses.

Shawn Barbour 11-1

UofL has an offense that likely will be able to score on anyone. The Miami & Clemson games will be tough & likely they lose 1 of those 2. However, they should have a top 10 offense that can win games by out-scoring opponents. However, I think the defense, despite having a ton of new players, also has quite a few returning…especially on the interior defensive line & at linebacker. There’s also more depth than they’ve had in Brohm’s first 2 seasons. I believe the defense has a chance to be one of the best in the ACC. 11-1 & an ACC Title game appearance is where I see this season heading.

TJ Barr 10-2

Louisville puts together a solid season, with a chance to compete for the conference championship. The Cards drop games to Miami and Clemson, but avoid any bad losses.

Mitch Motley 10-2

Cards win 2 out of 3 against Miami, Clemson and SMU and drop one elsewhere along the way. A trip to the ACC championship and CFP is in store for the Ville this year.

Wes Keyes 10-2

My prediction for the season is 10-2 and we’re back in Charlotte.

Joe Wahman 12-0

If we lose one of the “big 3” games I have a feeling it will be Clemson at home.

Sam Basden 9-3

Louisville has a pretty favorable schedule this year, especially with 8 home games, including Clemson and the Rivalry game to end the season. I believe the Cards will finish 10-2 in the regular season and if we can beat Clemson 2 years in a row, it will be the first of many more Cards ACC Championships. Louisville is definitely going 3-0 in the early part of the season, as they look to build depth in some key positions while fine-tuning their craft. Don’t sleep on James Madison though, that will be a heck of a 1st half. Two of the next 3 games for the Cards are on the road. I still believe that the Cards will be tested vs Pitt and Virginia. The Cards will be heading into the Miami game 5-0 and ranked. I see the Cards escaping Miami 6-0. To kick off the 2nd half of the schedule, the Cards will be returning to L&N 6-0 and riding high off the win the following week over Miami. Louisville vs Boston College always seems to be a little weird, and this game will be more of the same. Louisville also makes their appearance in Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech. Louisville welcomes California to L&N and extend their winning streak to 9. The Cards finish the season with Clemson, SMU and the Rivalry game. Unfortunately the Cards drop the first 2 games, before righting the ship in a blowout victory against the blue team. The Cards finished the season 10-2 and miss out on the ACC championship game.

Higgy

Best Case: 11-1
Worse Case: 8-4