Louisville Football: Big Red Louie’s Game Predictions vs. Western Kentucky

After a blowout loss in the opener and a rain-soaked marathon in game two, Louisville football will get their chance of putting together their first complete win.

Louisville football is desperate for some momentum. After a complete trouncing from Alabama in the opening game, the Cards couldn’t get much going in flash flood conditions against Indiana State last week.

Now, the Cards will get a second chance at the unveiling of a renovated Cardinal Stadium, and a third chance to get the ball rolling against Western Kentucky.

BRL writers talk about what they want to see on Saturday from the Cards, and give their score predictions.

Ethan Sprowles

I want to see a complete game. Against ‘Bama, we saw flashes from both all sides of the ball. The Indiana State game was just weird for many reasons but the bright spots were Jeremy Smith, Malik Cunningham, and the special teams.

This time I wanna see no turnovers on offense, and WKU held to no more than 2 touchdowns, I want to see Jaylen Smith and Dez Fitzpatrick get in the end zone, I want to see us run the ball well, and a 300 yards – 3 touchdowns type game from Puma.

This WKU team is not very good. They just got beat by Maine. Cards bounce back, come out focused, Puma proves that this job is his.

Prediction: Louisville 51, Western Kentucky 20 

Madison Wood

I want to see Louisville commit to running the ball, while also sticking with a guy for more than two plays. The Cards have been non-committal to a running back so far. I also hope to see Puma more confident and on-target with his receivers.

We have known for a while that we have the talent to have an explosive offense, so this de facto home opener would be a perfect place to see it. On defense-like every week- I want to see better, fundamentally sound tackling.

Prediction: Louisville 55, Western Kentucky 7

Presley Meyer

I have to see sustained drives on offense, and consistency in the running game. The first two games are basically throw-away games. Alabama did Alabama things to the Cards, and the Indiana State game was played in once in a decade type of conditions.

Western Kentucky is outmatched talent-wise, but this is the biggest game on their schedule. Louisville will have to show up ready to execute, or this one will be closer than the experts think.

Dae Williams, Colin Wilson, and Trey Smith need to get things going and break off some long runs, which would open things up for Dez Fitzpatrick to finally have the game we have been expecting at wide receiver.

The Cards’s defense is banged up, and that is why I think it is a high scoring game for both teams.

Prediction: Louisville 48, Western Kentucky 27

Ross Prophater

I look forward to seeing Louisville control the line of scrimmage, and showing that they are able to get the power running game going. If we commit to running the ball, then the exciting play action passes will be there.

If the Cards don’t shoot themselves in the foot with drive-stalling penalties, then the scoreboard should get a lot of work today.

Prediction: Louisville 48, Western Kentucky 20

Craig Erickson

I just want to see Puma ball out and show that the quarterback position is his once and for all. I hope Petrino lets Pass have his turn to prove himself.

If the Cards play a complete game in all three phases, back up Malik Cunningham will get to see time anyways.

Prediction: Louisville 56, Western Kentucky 17

Tanner Hickman

This week I expect Louisville to start to get themselves together. The first two games have put the fan base into a pit of worry and questioning, especially after the lackluster performance last Saturday in what would be the longest game to ever be played in Cardinal Stadium.

This week is a whole new week. Jawon Pass has been named the starter after being pulled from the Indiana State game after a poor showing that may have been caused by a variety of factors both in and out of his control.

I expect Pass to put the game behind him and the offense  to look better than it did last week as I think they have found their running back in Jeremy Smith. I would like to see some good form tackling from the defense and would like to see the defensive line in the backfield a lot.

Prediction: Louisville 56, Western Kentucky 21

Jacob Lane

Bobby admitted on Monday during his press conference that he was stubborn and decided to go against his own game plan. Instead of pounding the ball down the throats of Indiana State, he tried getting his passing game going. Normally that’d be just fine, but with 4+ inches of rain on the field, it didn’t quite work.

This week, I want to see the football run over and over and over and over again, and then hit the big play downfield with Pass. I really believe we’ll see both QB’s, which is just fine with me, and the Cards will finally have a dominant offensive performance.

Prediction: Louisville 45, Western Kentucky 17

Everyone likes the Cards in this one, but most importantly there is a general sentiment that this is one of Louisville’s last chances to establish continuity and consistency in all three phases of the game.

Finally, there is good weather and a great opportunity to watch some Louisville football. Let’s get out there, enjoy the company of fellow Cards fans, and get this win!