Saturday Blitz
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 12
Next
Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images /

The North Carolina State Wolfpack have an offense full of weapons entering a Thursday night game. It bodes well for a school that’s expected to perform well in head coach Dave Doeren’s fifth season.

There’s Jaylen Samuels, a senior fullback/tight end hybrid. He had 55 catches for 565 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns last season. He’s due for a breakout season in both the run and pass game. Samuels didn’t play too well in last season’s matchup, but that was when the game was on the road. At home, the Wolfpack are a totally different team.

Defensively, senior Bradley Chubb should wreak havoc off the edge for NC State. Chubb had 21 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks and three forced fumbles for the Wolfpack defense last season.

The defense only allowed 109.3 rushing yards per game in 2016. They return eight starters from that squad. On offense, they return nine starters including quarterback Ryan Finley. After a 7-6 finish, their veteran experience is expected to show up in a big way. Don’t count out the Louisville Cardinals, though.

Louisville is 6-1 all-time against the Wolfpack. They won last season’s game handily 54-13 behind four touchdowns from Lamar Jackson. The Cardinals put up 553 total yards (390 passing) and three passing touchdowns.

An improved secondary could change the Wolfpacks’ fate this season. Wide receiver Jaylen Smith will be the player to watch for Louisville. He had two catches for 90 receiving yards (74-yard touchdown catch) against NC State in 2016.

Final: NC State 31, Louisville 28  (5-1, 2-1 ACC)

Home/Louisville Cardinals