Louisville Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons could have difficulty returning to a top-tier defense, but on offense they should be okay. They return nine starters on offense but six on defense. Defensively, they allowed 22.2 points per game, 23rd in the FBS.

They finished the season with a bang, winning 34-26 in the Military Bowl over the Temple Owls. It was their first bowl appearance and first bowl victory since 2008. Head coach Dave Clawson is on to something in Winston-Salem. The 2017 season should be another bowl season for them.

However, by October 28, Wake Forest could be reeling from a series of conference losses. They face the Seminoles and Clemson Tigers, on the road, in back-to-back weeks before a bye week on October 14. Then after that, the Demon Deacons face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on the road.

The Louisville Cardinals are 4-0 since they first met back in 2007. Last season’s meeting was an interesting chess match, especially in the wake of Wakey Leaks. The Demon Deacons led 12-3 at halftime before the Cardinals put up 41 points in the second half, winning easily 44-12.

The Demon Deacons should put up fight on offense, but they may have a hard time keeping the Cardinals’ offense from scoring. Quarterback Lamar Jackson didn’t have his best game a season ago but a road game in-conference like this one should serve as a pretty good test for him.

Final: Wake Forest 24, Louisville 42 (7-2, 4-2 ACC)