The road to the ACC championship game finally begins for the Louisville Cardinals this week, as they travel to Pittsburgh to play the hometown Panthers in their first ACC matchup. Louisville football remains undefeated through their first three games and has high hopes entering ACC play of potentially playing their way into a spot at the prized ACC title game. The wins were not always the prettiest, but the Cardinals showed flashes of their potential and got the job done.
The defense has been the early standout of the Cardinals this year, showing plenty more promise than previously expected during the preseason. The defensive line, led by star Clev Lubin, has been dominant, setting the tone for the defense with continual pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The offense has fallen short of expectations so far this season; however, they have steadily improved week after week, gaining confidence along the way. Many Cardinals fans are hoping for the return of star running back Isaac Brown this week and a return of the run game as the focal point and driver of the offense.
The Cardinals will have a tough road to the ACC title, as they will face many of the ACC's preseason contenders along the way. Multiple games will be “make or break” for Louisville’s ACC title chances as the season progresses.
Here are five matchups on that journey that will be critical for Louisville to win and will define the Cardinals' chances of playing for the ACC title.
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