Louisville Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2020

Last season, the Hilltoppers and Cardinals met in Nashville with the Cardinals winning 38-21. This year Tyson Helton brings his Hilltoppers to Louisville for the Cardinals’ first game of the season. Both programs look to build on what they did last season.

Western Kentucky went 9-4 on their way to a win in the First Responder Bowl while Louisville went 8-5 winning the Music City Bowl. The Cardinals lead the all-time series 21-12.

Louisville should win this game. They have better offensive skill players, and in year two of Scott Satterfield’s offense should feel more comfortable. What Cardinal fans should look for is improvement along the offensive line and defense.

The Hilltoppers are breaking in a new quarterback as Ty Storey has used all of his eligibility. Western Kentucky does have one of the better running backs in Conference USA in senior Gaej Walker.

The Hilltoppers defense keeps them in this game for at least a half, but Louisville’s offensive speed becomes too much for Western Kentucky.

Final Score: Louisville 31, Western Kentucky 21 (1-0)

The Miami Hurricanes won the offseason, and we get to see if it will translate to the regular season this year. The Hurricanes are without All-American defensive end Gregory Rousseau. They do add transfers Quincy Roche and Jaelan Phillips.

This game will test the Louisville offensive line to see if there has been any improvement. Their line was one of the worst and most penalized groups in college football last season. Even without Rousseau, the Hurricanes’ defense is experienced and talented.

Louisville, on the other hand, was one of the worst defenses in the country last season. Miami brought in D’Eriq King to stabilize the quarterback position and Rhett Lashlee to run the offense. There is too much Miami in this one.

Final Score: Louisville 17, Miami 27 (1-1, 0-1 ACC)