Louisville football: Predicting statistical over/under’s for 2020

Dez Fitzpatrick – 7 touchdowns

Jacob – Over

I’m taking the over here. There may not be a player more motivated on Louisville football’s roster than redshirt senior Dez Fitzpatrick.

If I asked you what the single biggest offensive struggle was last season I think you’d tell me the offensive line’s ability to protect the quarterback, which in a sense is absolutely true. However, I would argue that Louisville’s offense could’ve been that much better had they gotten the ball to Fitzpatrick outside more than they did.

Fitzpatrick finished with 35 catches for 635 and six touchdowns, which isn’t shabby, but it’s worth keeping in mind that over 50 percent of that production came in a three game stretch.

If Louisville can replicate the success they had in said stretch against FSU, BC, and Wake Forest where Fitzpatrick totaled a combined 17 catches for 366 receiving yards and four touchdowns – I think we’re talking about a potential second 1,000 yard receiver. Dez’s father Greg told me earlier this spring the NFL wants production out of his son, and I expect them to see a lot of that.

Presley – Push

Last season, Fitzpatrick accounted for six touchdowns for the Cardinals. Although he figures to play a more significant role in the offense in his final season, I think that he will be seen as a go-to guy when the Cards are in need of a first down or a momentum-turning catch.

Based on the way that the coaching staff likes to run their offense, I think the running backs and tight ends may split the lions share of touchdowns with Tutu Atwell. That may cut into Fitzpatrick’s touchdown numbers in 2020.

With that being said, a season where he figures to get more targets should culminate in a massive year. And finishing with 7 touchdowns is not too shabby either.