Louisville at Syracuse – Preview and Prediction
LOUISVILLE 14.5 SYRACUSE (67.5)
Implied Projected Score: Louisville 41 Syracuse 26.5
MEGALOCKS LINE – Louisville 13
The Game
Emerging star QB Lamar Jackson leads the Cardinals into a Friday night conference tilt at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. Louisville hung 70 last week against Charlotte and the Orange put up 554 yards of offense in their tune-up against Colgate. Do not go to the fridge unless it is a commercial.
The Match-Up
Louisville offense vs Syracuse defense
It was the Lamar Jackson show last week. Jackson tallied 6 TDs passing and recorded a pair of rushing TDs as well. They have not developed a go-to guy yet at RB or WR but there is a ton of depth in the unit. The noise in the Carrier Dome may be a problem for an offensive line that gave up 44 sacks last season. CROWD WILL BE ROCKING GUY is all over that.
We do not know what to expect from the Orange on defense. They gave up over 30 points a game last season and we know they will be on the field a lot in 2016. The offense moves lightning fast and does not give the defense much time to rest. Our hunch is that they will be better than expected BUT maybe not necessarily against a legitimate top-10 opponent like Louisville.
Syracuse offense vs Louisville defense
Whoa. They looked pretty sharp last week. Yes, it was Colgate, but former Bowling Green HC Dino Babers has the fans excited. QB Eric Dungey is really good. The problem is that this could be the best defense they face all season. The Cardinals are experienced and can bring the heat. If the Orange can move the ball with consistency against Louisville there will be good things ahead in 2016.
Mega Morsels
Louisville is 27-11 L38 ATS on the road…..The Cardinals got everyone involved last week in the passing game as 16 players registered a reception…..The Cards have FLORIDA ST on deck for what it is worth…..Two years ago Louisville easily handled a very different looking Orange team 28-6 in the Carrier Dome…..TREND GUY will note that the underdog is 8-3 L11 ATS in the series.
Summary
We think the Orange will score some points (#HotTake). We think they are getting some value. The problem we have is knowing if the Cardinals defense is a MONSTER or just really good. Louisville is going to score a lot and probably move the ball at will. Can Syracuse keep up enough to stay inside 2 TDs ? It is hard to say. Still thinking about this one.
Conclusion
No official play.
Lean: Do not hate a play on Syracuse at 14 or better for small potatoes. Will need to look at this one some more later in the week.