1. Strong conference schedule
Louisville once again faces a tough string of games when it comes to their conference lineup this season. The Cardinals' path to the ACC Championship goes through the top three projected teams in the conference, which include Clemson, Miami, and SMU. All three teams entering the season are included in the AP top 25 and look to build on highly successful seasons last year.
The Cardinals get a rematch of one of their most highly touted wins of last season when Clemson comes to L&N Stadium on November 14th. Cardinals fans are bound to have the stadium rocking, especially if a playoff path for the Cardinals remains a strong possibility late in the season. Clemson and Louisville have produced some instant classics over the years and have budded into an intense ACC rivalry.
Louisville also returns to Miami on October 17 and to SMU on November 22. The trip to Miami will be challenging enough, considering the Cardinals will be playing away on a short week of practice and preparation. The SMU game will also be coming a week after the hard-fought battle against Clemson. Louisville fell just short in both games last season, losing by just 7 points in both matchups. If Louisville wants to have a legitimate shot at the ACC Championship, it will need to course-correct from last season and take care of these three conference foes.
Related: Boise State’s embarrassing loss proves Louisville football deserves Top 25 respect
Louisville and Eastern Kentucky are scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. local time on Saturday, August 30, from L&N Stadium. The matchup will be broadcast on ACCN.
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