It’s that time of year again. The time when everyone thinks their team is the best and going undefeated. Even though we know that’s likely not going to happen. But one can dream. Might as well dream big if you’re going to dream. I, too, like to dream big and I’d love nothing more than an undefeated season. However, I also like to keep it real. I’m not telling you to not dream big, I’m just telling you my annual game by game season predictions are not what I hope will happen, it what I realistically believe will happen. In some cases, I hope I’m wrong…. but in a good way.
First off, the schedule sets up pretty good to be in position to make the CFP. A season opening victory over Ole Miss, a team expected to be highly ranked with a great chance at making the playoffs again, would be a huge boost to the resume. After getting a win over Ole Miss, winning the third game of the season against SMU would put the Cards squarely in prime position to make the CFP. The rest of the schedule seems fairly manageable if they can just avoid that one terrible loss they seem to throw in every year. There are a few potential slip up opportunities on the schedule. NC State, Georgia Tech and Pitt are teams that worry me a little but they are also games the Cards should win.
If the Cards can start the season at 2-1 and then only lose one more game the rest of the season, then they land themselves squarely in the CFP conversation. Not saying 10-2 would get them in for sure, but they would at least be in the conversation.
As far as the ACC championship game, most experts say Miami is a lock and the Louisville vs SMU game could decide who plays Miami for the Championship. I’m not completely sold on that prediction. I don’t think Mario is a very good coach. I’d say Miami went to the CFP championship game despite him. The talent that got them there last year isn’t the same this year. Yes, they are still very very talented but I believe they are not a lock. I wouldn’t be shocked to see a Louisville vs SMU rematch for the ACC championship. Or even someone like Virginia, Georgia Tech or Clemson play Louisville or SMU for the ACC Championship.
Here are my annual game by game predictions…
Read more: Nunnsense | 2026 Game By Game PredictionsSunday, September 6th vs Ole Miss in Nashville
Is there life after Lane at Ole Miss? Most experts think this could very well be a CFP team even with Pete Golding at the helm. I think it has more to do with the weapons on this team. It starts with potential Heisman candidate, QB, Trinidad Chambliss and his running back, Kewan Lacy. Those 2 guys are going to be tough to stop. The Cards have a running back in Isaac Brown that I would put up against anyone in the country. The question for the Cards is, just how good is Lincoln Kienholz. If he is everything we think he is, this is going to be a great game.
Ole Miss is an early 6.5 favorite (as I write this in early July). I expect that number to drop to about 3.5 by kickoff. I don’t know for sure if the Cards win this game outright but this early in the season, you’d be crazy not to take the points. However, these are the type of games Brohm lives for and always seems ready. So I’m rolling with the Cards to get it done.
Cards win 28-24 Win probability 30.9%
Friday, September 11th vs Villanova
In a short turnaround, the Cards open their home portion of the schedule in a game they should win easily. I don’t think I need to research the Nova team to predict a W.
Cards win 52-7 Win probability 96.9%
Saturday, September 19th vs SMU
Back to back home games is always fun! And finally a Saturday game. SMU brings back QB, Kevin Jennings. Dual threat QB’s have been the nemesis of Louisville’s defense as of late but hopefully with Mark Ivey and Steve Eliis taking over as co-defensive coordinators, that problem will be solved. Either way this should be a very close, competitive, high scoring game. My guess would be the Cards will be a slight favorite at kickoff. And they finally get that W over SMU.
Cards win 35-31 Win probability 53.3%
Saturday, September 26th vs Wake Forest
Three straight home game. Yes! Cards should be a heavy favorite. The Wake defense isn’t great so Louisville should be able to control the pace of the game. Will they let the running backs run for massive stats and slow the game down or will they throw the ball all over the field? I don’t think it matters. Cards will light up the scoreboard and the stadium will be less than half full for the 4th quarter.
Cards win 48-10 Win probability 73.1%
Saturday, October 3rd at NC State
I hate playing in Raleigh. This is the game that worries me. First true road game. Cards are definitely the better team and should be favored but this one feels like the one we don’t want to see. I hope I’m wrong. I believe this one is going to be a dog fight. If Louisville can play a turnover free game, they should barely pull it off. If not, it’s just 1 loss and we move on.
Cards lose 17-14 Win probability 60.6%
Friday, October 9th vs Florida State
The Cards back home after a tough loss does not end well for FSU. Sorry ‘Noles, wrong place, wrong time. Cards play angry and Isaac Brown has a career day. We maybe even hear a little Heisman chatter after this one. Not saying he will win, or even be a finalist. But you might hear his name thrown around a little more after this one.
Cards win 31-14 Win probability 57.7%
Saturday, October 17th at Syracuse
While I believe the Cards eventually come out victorious, I have a feeling this one could be a high scoring, fast paced game that will be close in the 3rd quarter. But in the end, Louisville simply is more talented and will prevail.
Cards win 38 -24 Win probability 72.4%
Saturday, October 24th BYE WEEK
Saturday, October 31st vs Stanford
Home game on Halloween should be fun. It won’t be fun for the Cardinal from California. They get to make a trip all the way across the USA just get get an ass kickin’. The Louisville Cardinals get to give a little payback for the debacle from last year in Palo Alto. The Louisville defense should have a big day. Stanford gave up 3.42 sacks and 5.75 tackles for loss per game last season, which ranked 129th and 93rd, respectively, in the FBS. Clev gonna eat well!
Cards win 42-17 Win probability 90.2%
Saturday, November 7th at Georgia Tech
This road game could be a huge test for the Cards. GT has steadily improved under Brent Key and should have another solid team this year. I know they lost QB, Haynes King. They replaced him with Alberto Mendoza. I’m not exactly sure how good little brother is but I’d say he’s a baller. GT also added Michigan running back, Justice Haynes. This one could go down to the wire. It appears to be one of those 50/50 games the Cards need to win to have a shot at the ACC championship game.
Cards win 31-28 Win probability 59.6%
Saturday, November 14th at North Carolina
I travel to one road game (besides Lexington or neutral site) every year. I’m making my first trip to Chapel Hill this year. I tell you that to say that the Cards are undefeated when I travel to a new stadium. Therefore, no need to analyze or research this game… (But it’s gonna fun to see Bobby again)
Cards win 42-21 win probability 57.1%
Saturday, November 21st vs Pittsburgh
Last year, the Panthers had the Cards on the ropes but then proceeded to fold like a wet paper bag. I believe it’s because I made the trip to Pitt, keeping my undefeated road trip streak alive. Regardless, the Panthers will be out for revenge and I think they get it. Maybe the Cards are looking ahead a bit to the Governor’s Cup?
Cards lose 34-27 win probability 65%
Saturday, November 28th vs Kentucky
I make the same prediction every year so no need for analyzing…
Cards win 100-0 Win probability 99.999%
Best case scenario 11-1
Worst case scenario 8-4
My Realistic Prediction 10-2
- Win probability is from ESPN Analytics (July 15th)
As Always, GO CARDS!
