Hey guys, Cards fan here. Taking a look at our common opponents, it should be a pretty good factor in how the game between us may end up this Saturday
Lou vs Pitt (49 deg, windy)
Lou total yds = 460
Pitt total yds = 380
Final score 45-35 Lou
SU vs Pitt
SU total yds = 305
Pitt total yds = 346
Final score 14-13 Pitt
End result: Louisville had more yds vs Pitt (155) but gave up more yds (34)
Lou vs Cincy (46 deg, windy, rainy)
Lou total yds = 524
Cincy total yds = 353
Final score 34-31 Lou
SU vs Cincy
SU total yds = 479
Cincy total yds = 470
Final score 35-24 Cincy
End result: Louisville had more yds vs Cincy (45) and held Cincy to 117 less yds than SU
Lou vs USF (cool, wet field from earlier rain, light 9mph wind)
Lou total yds = 384
USF total yds = 386
Final score 27-25 Lou
SU vs USF
SU total yds = 520
USF total yds = 552
Final score 37-36 SU
End result: Pitt had more yds vs USF (136) but Louisville held USF to 166 less yds than SU
Offensively, Louisville did better in 2 of the 3 comparison matchups
Defensively, Louisville did better in 2 of the 3 comparison matchups
My thoughts: I included our weather info only because our strength of the team falls on Teddy Bridgewater and his arm. Just about every game we have played this year has been cold and rainy. Even with these conditions which tend to affect passing, Louisville offensively has put up more numbers than SU against the same competition in 2 of the 3 opponents. I say this only because Louisville is licking their chops at the prospect of finally playing in a game where the weather conditions is perfect for Teddy to go off. I could be wrong, but expect more passing than we have seen in our previous games.
SU is no pushover however and the oddsmakers know this which explains why even though Louisville is the #9 BCS team, they (Louisville) find themselves as 3 pts or less favorites which of course means on a neutral field, this would be a pick-em.
Syracuse has to love where they have Louisville on the schedule. Most of the talk nationally is the final game at Rutgers. That and the kickoff time probably favors SU. Louisville has been a slow starting team and on the road with a 12:00 kick, by the time they wake up SU could have a large lead and a loud Carrier Dome against them.
Interesting Stat: Louisville loves playing in the dome having won 3 of the past 4 games played there dating back to 2003. Overall (home/away) during that same time frame, Louisville has the advantage winning 6 and losing twice.
Should be a good game and I'm looking to see if we start it out half asleep or if the dome has the Cards on their A-game with the climate controlled conditions.
