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Louisville football: Three locks and three bold predictions vs. Syracuse

By Presley Meyer

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: Dayna Kinnaird #57 of the Louisville Cardinals waits to take the field prior to the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: Dayna Kinnaird #57 of the Louisville Cardinals waits to take the field prior to the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – OCTOBER 05: Monty Montgomery #7 of the Louisville Cardinals recovers a fumble in the game against the Boston College Eagles during the first quarter at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – OCTOBER 05: Monty Montgomery #7 of the Louisville Cardinals recovers a fumble in the game against the Boston College Eagles during the first quarter at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Bold prediction: Louisville forces two or more turnovers

Last week, we highlighted that what Louisville does well in wins is what they do poorly in losses. Namely, the Cardinals win the turnover battle.

In the ensuing match-up at NC State, the Cards forced a fumble and an interception while escaping turnover-free; A recipe for a win.

Syracuse ranks in the top 25 in the country in turnovers lost, but expect Louisville to come into this game hungry to make something happen from a defensive perspective.

Defensive lineman GG Robinson and Amonte Caban play their last games in Cardinal Stadium along with Gary McCrae, Boosie Whitlow, and Quen Head upfront. Don’t forget about PJ Mbanasor and Khane Pass in the secondary as well.

On senior day, the focus of most will be on the offense, but what better way to leave a lasting final impression than to finish your last game with a turnover?

That is likely to be the message from Brown and co-defensive coordinator Cort Dennison when the Cardinals take the field on Saturday. And against an offensive line with a ton of issues and a young quarterback, Louisville will be looking to feast on defense.

Lock: Louisville has their best day rushing the passer of the season

One of Syracuse’s biggest issues heading into the season was dealing with the loss of multiple offensive linemen. Gone from the 10-3 team were starting left tackle Cody Conway, starting left guard Aaron Roberts, and starting right tackle Keaton Darney.

Much like you’d expect, the rebuild line for Syracuse has struggled.

It didn’t help that starting center Sam Heckel went down early in the season, while graduate transfer Ryan Adams, who moved into a starting role after transferring from South Alabama, walked away from the team midseason.

That is what’s led starting quarterback Tommy Devito to be the most sacked quarterback in college football this season and put Syracuse 129th out 130 teams in sacks allowed as a team.

Louisville may not have the mightiest pace rush, but the group has been effective this season collectively demonstrating the ability to get after the quarterback, averaging a little over two sacks per game. Defensive coordinator Bryan Brown has done a nice job dialing up unique blitz packages using his faster linebackers, led by Monty Montgomery, to fly through holes opened up by the front free.

Syracuse gave up just one sack last week against Duke, but we all know the speed comparison between Duke and Louisville will be a major difference this weekend.

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