Louisville Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The Kent State Golden Flashes return after posting a 3-9 record last season. They return seven starters on offense and six starters on defense but that’s pretty much the only positive. They’ve posted a 6-18 record in the past two seasons under head coach Paul Haynes.

Kent State averaged 20.6 points per game on offense (117th in the FBS) and allowed 28.7 points per game (67th in the FBS). When you give up more points than you score, you’re never going to win a lot of games.

Not to mention, their offense threw for just 141.7 passing yards while rushing for 167.5 rushing yards per game in 2017. The Golden Flashes do have their starting quarterback returning in redshirt senior Nick Holley. Holley led the team in rushing yards (920) and rushing touchdowns (10) last season.

Running back Justin Rankin had 511 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns as a true freshman. He led the team in receiving yards with 335 receiving yards as well.

Kent State is a young team so the ACC’s level of experience may be too difficult for them to overcome. Without much a passing game, the Louisville Cardinals should shut the Kent State offense down early.

It should be another tuneup game for Louisville on September 23. The teams haven’t met since 1973 and Kent State leads the overall series 8-9. The Golden Flashes won the last meeting 10-3.

Final: Kent State 14, Louisville 45 (4-0)