The Virginia Cavaliers roll into Louisville today riding high after a stunning double-overtime upset over No. 8 Florida State last Friday, a 46-38 thriller that has the ACC buzzing. But now, they face a different beast: the Cardinals, perfect at 4-0 and hungry to stay that way in front of their home crowd at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, and with Virginia ranked No. 24, this feels like a pivotal early test for both sides in conference play.
Louisville's offense has been clicking, especially after rallying past Pitt 34-27 on the road last week. Quarterback Tyler Shough has thrown for over 1,200 yards already this season, and the Cards' ground game adds balance that could exploit Virginia's defense, which allowed 38 points to the Seminoles. However, Virginia's passing attack ranks 22nd nationally, led by Chandler Morris, who might keep things close if he avoids the turnovers that plagued them early on. The Cavaliers are 4-1 overall, 1-0 in the ACC, but their road woes— just one win in the last six away games—loom large here.
Moreover, the betting lines tell a story: Louisville opens as a 6.5-point favorite, with the over/under at 60.5, suggesting a high-scoring affair. Experts lean toward the Cardinals covering, pointing to their 8-5 all-time edge over Virginia and wins in the last three meetings, including a narrow 24-20 escape in Charlottesville last year. Yet, Tony Elliott's squad has momentum, and that Florida State win exposed vulnerabilities in ranked teams. Indeed, if Virginia's secondary holds up against Louisville's 14th-ranked passing defense—no, wait, Louisville boasts the 14th-ranked pass defense— it could be anyone's game.
However, the Cards' home record under Jeff Brohm stands at an impressive 10-2 since he arrived, and they won't overlook a Virginia team that's suddenly dangerous. Predictions swirl around a 31-21 Louisville victory, but upsets happen in the ACC all the time. As these two square off, one wonders how this result might reshape the conference race before the leaves fully turn.