Louisville football fans, the push through ACC play continues as the Cardinals welcome Virginia to FedCred Stadium this weekend. After navigating the early part of the schedule, every game from here on out carries weight in the conference race. This is the type of matchup that has tripped Louisville up in years past — a dangerous mid-tier opponent that can sneak up if taken lightly.
After a historic 17 point comeback against Pitt last week, the Cardinals look to get a faster start against newly ranked Virginia at home. The now nationally televised game (ESPN2) will have more eyes on it than usual due to Virginia’s big upset last weekend against Florida State. The Cavalier’s surprising top-ten takedown of FSU led to them now being ranked no.23 in the country and in the same conversation as Louisville to do some damage in the ACC picture.
It is with these new conference and CFP implications in mind that Louisville must look to its stars to pull off this win. Jeff Brohm will once again turn to his playmakers to steady the team. The Cardinals don’t need perfection, but they do need players on both sides of the ball to step forward in order to handle Virginia and keep their ACC title hopes alive. Here are five Louisville players who must step up against the Cavaliers.