Louisville football: Game-by-game predictions for 2020
By Jacob Lane
Week 7: No. 24 Virginia Tech
Date: 10/31
On Halloween the Cards are *hypothetically* 6-0. That’s scary.
There were a few games on Louisville football’s original schedule that ended up staying untouched, the most notable being the matchup against Virginia Tech at Cardinal Stadium on Halloween.
This was one of the most intriguing games on the schedule this season for Louisville, considering the game falls on Halloween which just so happens to be a Friday. Obviously, there’s no way to tell at this point whether fans will be in attendance, but even if they aren’t, this game still is one game I can’t wait to watch.
As we’ve detailed, this will be Louisville’s first battle with VT since the infamous Gator Bowl where the Cards were forced to play without star QB Brian Brohm on the way to a loss and Marcus Vick stomping on the calf of Elvis Dumervil.
Both teams will be contenders for the ACC Championship game that will take the conference’s top two teams based on win percentage, so this match up will be extremely important for both. As I wrote a few weeks ago, the key for Louisville will be stopping the high-powered running attack of Virginia Tech that features quarterback Hendon Hooker, and two transfer running backs.
They have experience, depth, speed, power, and just about everything in between and could be in line to run the same type of offensive attack against Louisville that Kentucky deployed last year. If Louisville can stop the run and force Tech into throwing the football, it could be a huge difference maker.
The Virginia Tech defense will be one of the most talented and experienced the Cardinals face this season, even without long-time defensive coordinator Bud Foster and projected NFL first-round pick Caleb Farley, who has opted out of the season due to concerns over COVID. They were solid in stopping the run last season, allowing just 3.96 yards per carry, and also did a good job of playing opposing receivers.
Without Farley, Louisville will have a leg up out wide which means Tutu Atwell and Dez Fitzpatrick could be in store for big games. The run game has never been an issue for the Cards, and I wouldn’t expect to be here, but they’ll have to compliment it with a big performance through the air as well as playing one of their best defensive games yet.
However, coming off of such a major high after back-to-back wins on the road against Notre Dame and Florida State, the Cards lose focus slightly for a week and Virginia Tech’s explosive offense takes advantage. Hooker will be the difference for Justin Fuente in a offensive shoot out and for a few days we’ll have to hear one obnoxious UK joke after another.
Score: Louisville 38, Virginia Tech 45
Record: 6-1 (5-1)