Week 5: vs Virginia (Oct. 4th)
Louisville returns home after the road trip to Pittsburgh to host Virginia—a program known for its methodical pace and defensive discipline. In recent years, the Cavaliers have developed into a tough ACC matchup, leaning on winning in the trenches and slowing the game down against better opponents. They have also recently ranked in the top half of the ACC in sacks and third-down defense.
On paper, Louisville may have the edge. Miller Moss has established chemistry with his weapons—Chris Bell, Caullin Lacy, and the newcomer TreyShun Hurry—while Isaac Brown continues to assert himself as one of the ACC’s most impactful running backs.
Defensively, linebacker veterans who anchor the Cardinals’ front seven such as TJ Quinn and Stanquan Clark, should disrupt Virginia’s rhythm. That said, Virginia’s offense is no pushover, featuring a run-heavy attack and physical offensive line. Louisville must avoid getting entangled in slow-down tactics or long drives. If the Cards play fast, limit mistakes, and capitalize on explosive plays, they’ll pull away in the second half.
Expect a balanced, competitive first half, but with their depth and talent, Louisville should pull away late.
Prediction: W (5-0) Louisville 35 - Virginia 21
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