BIG EAST FOOTBALL PREVIEW: GAME #7 LOUISVILLE

October 24, 2008


Louisville gets back into Big East conference action this weekend when they welcome the Bulls of South Florida to town. After a season opening loss to Kentucky, the Cards have won four of five, inlcuding last week's 42-23 victory over Middle Tennessee State. The lone loss was to Connecticut, their lone conference contest, meaning UL is still looking for their first Big East win of the season.

The Bulls got back into the win column last weekend by trouncing Syracuse 45-13 with a big second half effort, breaking wide open a close game at the half. USF is 6-1 on the season, and their win over SU evened their record in the Big East at 1-1 following their first loss of the season to Pitt.

NCAA Football Betting lines have the Bulls as 3 1/2 point favorites on the road to keep Louisville winless in conference play.

USF outscored Syracuse 24-0 int he second half last week and rolled up 487 yards of offense, limiting SU to just 230 last week. The Bulls showed balance, piling up 239 of their yards on the ground and the other 248 through the air. Matt Grothe accounted for 320 of their yards (rushing + receiving) and four touchdowns, showing he might be back in the comfort zone as the Bulls continue to round into shape. South Florida ranks among the top 25% of the NCAA in most offensive categories, but their rush defense has been among the best in the nation so far this season and could be a big key on the road.

Jury is still out with Louisville, despite a solid 4-2 record. Their most impressive win of the year was a home victory over Kansas State, all other contests have come against lesser opponents since the opening week loss to rival Kentucky. The strength offensively for Louisville this season has been their ground game, but that will be tested by the speed of the USF defense.

The Bulls have been on the road several times this season, while they have not been dominant in their wins against lesser opponents on the road, their experience and improvement shown last week should carry then to victory this weekend, but it might be tougher than expected.

Prediction:

South Florida 30
Louisville 27