Louisville Cardinals (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) vs. Syracuse Orange (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS)
College Football Week 2
Date/Time: Friday, September 9, 2016 at 8PM EST
Where: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, New York
TV: ESPN 2
By Loot, NCAA Football Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Betting Odds: LOU -14.5/SYR +14.5
Over/Under Total: 69
The Louisville Cardinals come to the Carrier Dome on Friday to face the Syracuse Orange in week two ACC action. Louisville, coming off an 8-win season in 2015, was explosive in their first game, albeit against Conference-USA doormat Charlotte, in a 70-14 beating that wasn't even that close. Syracuse also had a layup in week one, scoring a 33-7 win over Colgate—a good first start in trying to improve on their 4-8 season from last season. It was a good debut for new Orange head coach Dino Babers.
Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson was masterful in game one and though it came against a woefully-overmatched foe, there are still some good things to take away from it. In the first half alone, he ran for a pair of touchdowns, while throwing for six. After 56 first-half points, the Cardinals lifted their foot off the gas, with QB Kyle Bolin getting some work. It was a potent showcase of their offensive firepower. At the same time, we don't want to get too carried away, with the Cardinals looking to see far-greater resistance at the Carrier Dome on Friday, where things never come as easy as you'd think they would. Still, when these two teams played last season, Louisville was able to emerge with a commanding 41-17 win.
A staggering 16 different receivers caught passes in Louisville's week one win, with their stars chipping in well. QB-turned receiver Reggie Bonafon caught a TD pass, as did James Quick, LJ Scott, Cole Hikutuni, and Jeremy Smith. Top receiver Jamari Staples led all receivers with 83 yards in the air. With the aerial explosion and Jackson running the ball well, the rest of the run-game wasn't really asked to turn on the juice, with Brandon Ratcliff used sparingly, as Malik Williams added 48 yards.
Again, too much stock can be placed in lopsided wins like the one Louisville had on opening week. But the fact is that they have an emerging dual-threat QB in Jackson who is working behind an improved line with a ton of returning horses who are proven contributors in this offense is promising. They have weapons on the ground and certainly in the air. In all, 18 returning starters are back in the mix. After watching how their offense performed, some might be surprised to find out it might be the Cardinals' defense that could be the shining light on the team.
Just as it is hard to gauge an offense in a rout, the Louisville "D" didn't really have to flex their muscles in week one, as the game was nearly over before it began. Coach Bobby Petrino's added emphasis on this side of the ball should begin to pay off this year in a big way. The secondary returns all four starters and even adds some juco power. They should be tremendous. The linebacker crew features two standout performers who are among the tops in the conference with pass-rushing Devonte Fields and Keith Kelsey. The line needs some revamping and we'll see how they compete against a better O-line. If this "D" can rush the passer with some regularity, the Cardinals' defense could end up being tremendous.
For Syracuse, the first order of business on 2016 is to pump some wind into the sails of a moribund offense. Babers has instituted more of a fast-paced offense with some no-huddle mixed in and we'll see how his system works in their first real test of the season. Babers can work with a talented quarterback in Eric Dungey, who had a promising freshman campaign. Against Colgate, he was 34-for-40 with 355 yards a pair of TD throws. And some potential contributors revealed themselves in the running-game, with Moe Neal running for a 49- yard TD score.
Syracuse saw some promise for their offense, though in the big picture, a 33-point output against Colgate isn't all that impressive. But Dungey looked good. Some backs showed some promise. And Maryland transfer, wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo was fantastic in his Orange debut, snagging 12 balls for 210 yards and a TD score. That kind of form would give Syracuse a new star in their midst. Also in the receiver crew is Steve Ishmael and Ervin Phillips, who added 87 yards and a TD. Over time, we will see if these guys can make it translate against a higher level of opponent, while also seeing how a revamped offensive line holds up against higher-quality defenders.
DEPOSIT $100 AND GET $100 FREE TO BET THE LOUISVILLE VS. SYRACUSE GAME AT ONE OF THE WEB'S OLDEST SPORTSBOOKS: BOVADA SPORTSBOOK
It was hard to gauge what Syracuse looked like defensively against Colgate. They should be better this season, following a year where a lot of young meat was thrown to the lions. They need to find some production at the DE position, with what looks to be a decent run-stop. Caire Franklin, Parris Bennett, and Jonathan Thomas should aid a linebacking crew that would benefit from the line making something happen. And what was an inexperienced secondary last season is being depended on to be more reliable this season. This defense needs some menace on the line to manifest. On paper, they look to be maybe a year away, but we'll see what they can come up with in '16. It's not going to be easy, as the defense might have less time to rest with what promises to be a much faster-paced offense.
This is the week where things get real after comfortable opening week matchups for both teams. It's not an easy road spot for Louisville, coming onto the Carrier Dome to face a team that is feeling optimistic in a new season with a new coach and some exciting new prospects. With Babers, the Orange are looking to get to where the Cardinals already are. The Cardinals have some offensive catalysts, a lot returning firepower, and many pieces coming together on "D." I think Louisville has a real team this season and should beat Syracuse, but that line is pretty hefty for a demanding road game like this and I see the Orange hanging tough.
Loot's Prediction to Cover the Point Spread: I'm betting on The Syracuse Orange plus 14.5 points. Did you know... that you could be wagering on the Louisville vs. Syracuse game at discounted odds? There's a better than good chance that you're laying -110 odds (or more) with your book. Stop overpaying TODAY by making the switch to 5Dimes Sportsbook! You will be so glad that you did!
