Miami-Georgia Tech, N.C. State-Clemson Highlight Vegas ACC Predictions Week 6
Saturday Blitz Vegas ACC Predictions Week 6
Louisville Cardinals at Syracuse Orange
Line: Louisville by 1.5
After generating lots of hype around the fan base due to their impressive performances the first two games, the Louisville Cardinals offense has sputtered in two of the past three games. After committing 4 turnovers in a 2-point loss to Virginia, the Cardinals had 3 turnovers against Wake Forest last weekend in a 20-10 win. The unit is putting up yards, but it has got to stop committing turnovers. That’s going to be key to beating Syracuse on Friday because although the Orange aren’t great, the mistakes the Cardinals have been making could cause them to lose to any team. Reggie Bonnafon will start again at quarterback this weekend, but he will have to make more plays than he made against Wake Forest on the road.
The Orange are clearly not a great team right now, but a lot of that has to do with inconsistent quarterback play. Terrel Hunt has shown way too many struggles playing quarterback, and if the Orange are going to win Friday against Louisville in the Carrier Dome, he is going to have to play well. The rushing attack is in good shape, but Hunt has to make enough plays to keep it moving the ball. The defense is not bad, but it can’t give up too many big plays. That’s been the problem for it so far, such as allowing a 90-yard screen pass that resulted in a touchdown against Maryland. These things can’t happen if Syracuse is to pull of the win. The Orange also have to make sure they force a couple of Louisville turnovers.
Prediction
Louisville will play inconsistent on offense at times, making this an ugly football game, but it won’t matter in the end. The Cardinals have too much talent, and Petrino’s guys will be able to make enough big plays while the defense shuts down the Orange to win the game. Syracuse will have maybe one long drive for a score, but for the most part this game won’t be that close.
Louisville: 31 Syracuse: 14