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Louisville football opponent preview: Western Kentucky

By Jacob Lane

TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 21: Head Coach Scott Satterfield of the Louisville Cardinals during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on September 21, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Cardinals 35 to 24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 21: Head Coach Scott Satterfield of the Louisville Cardinals during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on September 21, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Cardinals 35 to 24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 15: Running back Dae Williams #25 of the Louisville Cardinals runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Cardinal Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 15: Running back Dae Williams #25 of the Louisville Cardinals runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Cardinal Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Outlook: Western Kentucky vs. Louisville football

Let’s get this straight, Western Kentucky is no slouch FCS program walking into Cardinal Stadium looking for a check. This is a team that finished in the top 25 of total defense and has a more than capable quarterback, running back, and tight end returning. Not to mention, WKU kept the game in Nashville competitive for far too long last season and in their second season with a new head coach , they too think a big jump is coming.

So what’s the outlook?

Louisville football should be tested, but this is a game by all means that they will win and win handily. It will come with tests along the way, none bigger than being able to slow down running back Gaej Walker for the second in year as well as keeping DeAngelo Malone out of the backfield.

If Louisville’s offensive line can give Cunningham time and set up cleaning blocking lanes, Louisville will be able to take advantage. Western tended to give up more rushing than passing yards last season, so I expect to see Louisville really pound the ball to Javian Hawkins and Hassan Hall to build rhythm. But, it’ll be the passing game that puts up the big plays.

Micale Cunningham is being talked about as a Heisman candidate for a reason and if he wants to have any chance at competing for the award long-term, he’ll have to put up monster numbers in week one.

Thankfully, I think he will and because of it, Louisville will be able to get some good work in for their starters and primary players before getting their younger guys on the field for extremely valuable snaps ahead of a week two showdown with Miami.

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