2014
Louisville Cardinals
Football Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
Right out of the gates, Louisville knows that this year is going to be an uphill battle. The Cardinals make the transition to a new quarterback, a new, former coach and a more difficult conference. Reaching double-digit wins for the third straight year seems like a long shot, especially with a road Game at Notre Dame on the Schedule as well.
Check in with 5 dimes sportsbook for the latest Louisville Odds to win the National Title as well as Over/Under win totals for the Cards.
With three-year starter and first-round NFL draft pick Teddy Bridgewater gone from the offense, this unit isn’t a lock to match last year’s ranks. Sophomore Will Gardner beat out his competition in the spring and will look to lead the offense. He formed some chemistry with DeVante Parker (55 receptions, 885 yards, 12 TDs) early on and that might be all he needs. Throw in an abundance of speedster receivers like Eli Rogers, Kai De LA Cruz and others and Gardner has the tools to produce.
Louisville’s offensive line is probably their biggest question with a couple starters leaving. They had to mix things up in the spring to plug up the holes, but they shouldn’t regress much. Dominique Brown (825 yards, 8 TDs) returns in the backfield with Michael Dyer providing support. However, in Petrino’s offense the passing takes precedent, so most of the pressure will be on Gardner.
Defensively, the Cardinals return just Four starters so that could be an immediate issue playing in the ACC, especially opening up against Miami (FL) and Duke Johnson. The front seven looks to be in a good standing after spring, and the hiring of coordinator Todd Grantham from Georgia is a pretty good get.
Louisville’s secondary is another question with two three-year starting safeties now gone. The only experienced replacement, Jermaine Reve dealt with a knee injury in spring, as well. The questions about Louisville’s defense should be answered soon enough against the Hurricanes in that first Game, but then against Four less than average offenses following that.
The Conference Schedule is still a bit weak for Louisville in what can be considered a down season for the ACC. OUtside of the obvious threats playing at Clemson and against Florida State, the Cardinals should have the edge in every other ACC Game. That is if Gardner can get this offense going and the defense doesn’t take that big of a step back.
Getting past the Hurricanes in that first Game would be big and could even see Louisville reach nine wins in the regular season. Of course, playing in a new Conference also brings all kinds of other difficulties. It’ll be interesting to see what Petrino can do after going 41-9 in his previous Four seasons at the school.
2014 Louisville Football Schedule
Sept. 1 vs. Miami (FL)
Sept. 6 vs. Murray State
Sept. 13 at Virginia
Sept. 20 at FIU
Sept. 27 vs. Wake Forest
Oct. 4 at Syracuse
Oct. 11 at Clemson
Oct. 23 vs. NC State
Nov. 1 vs. Florida State
Nov. 15 at Boston College
Nov. 22 at Notre Dame
Nov. 29 vs. Kentucky