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Louie’s Look Ahead: Louisville vs. James Madison

By Cameron Franck

Oct 29, 2022; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals cornerback Quincy Riley (3) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half at Cardinal Stadium. Louisville defeated Wake Forest 48-21. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals cornerback Quincy Riley (3) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half at Cardinal Stadium. Louisville defeated Wake Forest 48-21. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
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After their loss to Boston College, a team they should have handily beaten, the players called a players-only meeting to discuss what happened and how the season was going. This meeting unified the group in such a way that led them on a three game winning streak.

Backup quarterback Brock Domann led the Cardinals to a win over Virginia. Starting quarterback Malik Cunningham came back for their game against the Pittsburgh Panthers and led them to a win. And the Louisville defense shut down #10 Wake Forest. Louisville heads into this game putting their three game win streak on the line, while James Madison heads into this game on a two game losing streak.

After starting the season 5-0, the Dukes have lost two straight to Georgia Southern and Marshall respectively. In early October, James Madison was in the AP Top 25, but their two game skid has cost them a ranking.

Previewing the Louisville vs. JMU game a few weeks ago was very different from what it looks like today. Louisville has found a rhythm and James Madison looks like they are on their heels.

James Madison is coming off of their bye week and according to their Head Coach Curt Cignetti the Dukes did not spend much time focusing on the Cardinals.

The Dukes are led by graduate student quarterback Todd Centeio, who was recently rated by Pro Football Focus, abbreviated PFF, as the #1 graded QB in all of Division I football. Backing him up on the other side of the ball is the defense, who has been ranked sixth in the nation at getting stops and preventing points.

If you notice, Louisville is also on this list at number 10 overall. After their dominating performance last week against the Demon Deacons, it appears as if the players have become comfortable with one another on the field.

Louisville is locked in and if they secure this win, then the Cardinals are guaranteed to go to a bowl game. The prospect of going to a bowl game was not in the realm of conversation just a few short weeks ago, but that has always been the case with college football: the landscape changes so quickly.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Cardinals are 6.5 point favorites over the Dukes with the over set at 52.5 points. Louisville certainly has the talent to cover the spread but with the way this season has gone thus far, it is clear anything can happen.

The game will be live on ESPNU at 7:30 PM this evening.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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