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Louisville Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

By Jerran Anderson

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 26: Bobby Petrino the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals watches the action during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 26: Bobby Petrino the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals watches the action during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images
Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images /

Rivalry Week, on the road in Lexington after falling 41-38 in 2016. It was the Wildcats’ first victory since the 2010 season.

The final game of the Louisville Cardinals’ regular season couldn’t have bigger implications. The Cardinals have an opportunity to win 10 games and it will have to come against the Kentucky Wildcats. Quarterback Stephen Johnson overtook the starting job in 2016. Against Louisville, he was the better signal caller, going 16-of-27 for 338 passing yards and three passing touchdowns.

Jackson, on the other hand, threw for 281 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. However, he also had three interceptions in the game. He did rush for 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns but turnovers turned the tide in the game. Louisville had four turnovers to Kentucky’s two in the game. Both teams accumulated over 500 yards of total offense and over 20 first downs.

This season’s matchup will need to see Louisville finish with a tougher defensive performance or they could fall in the final seconds again. Kentucky returns nine starters on defense and eight on offense entering 2017.

Last season’s game was the Cardinals’ worst defensive display in all of 2016. They didn’t even give up that many yards in their 29-9 Citrus Bowl loss to the LSU Tigers (394 yards allowed). The Wildcats will have an upset on their mind for sure entering their final home game of the year.

Final: Kentucky 28, Louisville 42 (10-2)

Final Record: 10-2 (6-2 ACC)

The Louisville Cardinals could push for a spot in the College Football Playoff by season’s end, but a major bowl bid and a 10-win season should be considered a success for this team. Finishing 6-2 in the ACC Atlantic Division (the tougher side of the conference) is nothing to fret about. Granted, they finished 7-1 in conference play in 2016, but still.

Next: Ranking the top 50 players in college football in 2017

A 10-win season would be their first since the 2013 season back when the team was 12-1 under former head coach Charlie Strong. Head coach Bobby Petrino is onto something with quarterback Lamar Jackson. If Jackson can develop weapons by season’s end, the Cardinals could have a much better ending than they did in 2016.

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