Charlotte at Louisville – Preview and Prediction
LOUISVILLE 39.5 CHARLOTTE (61)
Vegas projected score: Lousiville 50.25 Charlotte 10.75
Megalocks line: Louisville 35
The Game
This is a really tough opener for the 49ers as it represents the toughest match-up in the history of the program. “No injuries, pretty please” is the mantra for this game. This is a tune-up game for the Cardinals who have ACC foes Syracuse and Florida St on deck.
The Match-Up
Louisville offense vs Charlotte defense
The Cardinals return a veteran unit on offense and QB Lamar Jackson is going to be an absolute nightmare for the 49ers to defend. The running game and the passing game should be in fine form with the only danger being turnovers and penalties. While it is true that Louisville has given up over 80 sacks the past two seasons, this is probably one game that they do not have to worry about the pocket being routinely collapsed.
Charlotte has a pair of senior CBs and an excellent NT in Larry Ogunjobi (14.5 TFL LY). More than half of their defense are returning senior starters. It will not be like a hot knife through butter but Charlotte will be tested severely from the word ‘go’. Hard to see Louisville not getting into the 40s.
Charlotte offense vs Louisville defense
The wildcard is Miami Fla transfer QB Kevin Olsen. Personally, we think this is a big upgrade if for no other reason than covering gigantic point spreads. RB Kalif Phillips is going to have a fine year but Charlotte is not going to find much room on the ground in this one. 10 points looks like the ceiling for the 49ers.
Tasty Tidbits
Louisville is 15-3 ATS L18 vs Conf USA opponents…..The Cards are just 4-6 ATS as a HF in Petrino’s 2nd stint as HC….Last season Charlotte was an underdog of 20+ points three times and got pulverized each time by a combined score of 168-27.
Summary
Giving up 40 points seems rich. Louisville has only scored more than 50 points ONCE in the past 26 games and that was against FCS foe Murray St. In fact, in that same time span, the Cardinals have only scored 40+ on four separate occasions. As you know from reading our season preview on Charlotte, we think they are going to be a lot better this season, but this just seems like a really tough spot. However, the “value” still resides with the 49ers.
Conclusion
No official play.
Lean: Charlotte at any number 38+ for anyone needing action.