Louisville vs Purdue: 3 bold predictions for Cardinals vs. Boilermakers

The Louisville Cardinals open the season against a Big Ten opponent in 2017 and here are three things to watch.

The Louisville Cardinals face the Purdue Boilermakers, a cellar dweller in the Big Ten, to open the 2017 season. The two teams haven’t met since the 1978 season, when the game ended in a 22-22 tie.

This year’s game could get out of hand before it’s all said and done. The Cardinals are heavily-favored entering this year’s matchup which is expected with 2016 Heisman-winning quarterback Lamar Jackson on the roster.

Jackson became the first player in FBS history with 3,300 passing yards and 1,500 rushing yards in a season, set the ACC record for touchdowns in a season with 51 and became Louisville’s first-ever Heisman winner.

The 2017 season is more about adjustments than anything else. Jackson will be looked upon to use his legs less and his arms more, but is there enough experience returning for him to rely on?

Wide receiver Devante Peete has already been lost for the season due to a torn ACL. He was expected to contribute in some capacity in a reserve role.

The expectations will certainly rise for Jackson and Louisville after leading the ACC in points per game (42.5) and total yards of offense per game (532.7). As the 16th ranked team in the AP Poll, the Cardinals are expected to be a good team once again.

Here are three bold predictions for their game against Purdue.