Way too early Louisville football game-by-game predictions

Syracuse

November 23rd

Just like that senior day arrives, and the Cards will say goodbye to 17 seniors.

There will forever be a special place for this group of seniors and guys like G.G. Robinson, Seth Dawkins, Amonte Caban, Boosie Whitlow, Jordan Davis, and plenty of others who have put their bodies on the line for four or five seasons, helping the Cards reach new heights but also seeing the end of an era in devastating lows. They’ll be remembered for having helped usher in a new era under Scott Satterfield, giving it all they have to help leave the program in a better place than it had been during their time as Cardinals.

Unfortunately for them, they’ll do it against a team like Syracuse who’s electric, uptempo offense will test the depth and stamina of the Cards defense.

In what would normally be a year of transition, Dino Babers has a program ready to take another step in the ACC as Tommy DeVito takes over at quarterback after the graduation of oft-injured Eric Dungey. Unlike most backups, DeVito is experienced having played in seven games last season. The offense will transition a bit, becoming more balanced, but will maintain the high speed.

Moe Neal and Abdul Adams return and will give Syracuse another dynamic running attack, while speedy receivers Sean Riley and Nykeim Johnson will challenge the secondary of Louisville in a major way.

Even with there being nothing to play late last season, the Cards competed against Syracuse early before ultimately giving in as they did in most competitions. If Louisville can get pressure on the offensive line and keep the Orange from making big plays that keep the field and more importantly the clock moving than maybe they can hang in for a while. But with nearly every position on the defense lacking depth and proven experience, it could be a long game for the Cards.

Prediction: Louisville 30, Syracuse 44

Record: 5-6