Rutgers (-11) over Louisville
The knights are coming on of late winning their last five games. The last four games have been by commanding margins as well. Louisville is going the other direction losing their last four games and just looking like a football team that is in question. The Cardinals enter the game at 5-6 overall and 1-5 in BIG EAST play. Granted in those last few games Louisville has played Pitt, Cincy and WVU b ut they also lost to Cuse to start the down turn. THREE road games this season so far for Louisville, two big losses for them on the road and a win against paper game against a bad memphis team. This is a big game for Rutgers considering how they started the season, they have the home field advantage, they swagger and could get to the seven win mark and eek out a better bowl spot. This is a great spot for a hot team that has been clicking on offense and defense. Remember this team was very good last season and after starting 1-5 they lost some of the steam, but now they have found it and they are a tough out. I have noticed the line has gone down but I just do not see what Louisville brings into this game that keeps it closer than 2 touchdowns. Cardinals defeated the Scarlet Knights, 41-38, last season. In Rutgers? six wins this season, the Scarlet Knights have forced 15 turnovers (6 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries). In stark contrast, Rutgers has not recorded a takeaway in its five losses in 2008. Cantwell is a QB that will make big mistakes if forced to pass and under pressure. He becomes so consumed with the pass rush that he locks onto receivers and forces the throw. I have been against Teel all season but over the past few games he has found Britt deep and underwood underneath as a way to move the chains and score points. This is something they can do tonight as well. English has changed the way Louisville has played defense but I think that is not going to be the story tonight, remember on the road against Pitt the panthers dropped 40 on Louisville. The Scarlet Knights are tops in the league in conference play in scoring offense (29.5), pass efficiency (144.5), third-down conversions (44.8%). red zone offense (17-of-19, 89.5%) and fewest penalty yardage per game (41.8). The Scarlet Knights are second in pass offense (258.2), sacks (scoring defense (19.0 ppg) 19) and red zone defense (11-of-16, 68.8%). Third downs might be an issue but I think the knights momentum is enough to get them into the redzone and they will get points. I think Louisville would have to play a very good game to stay in this contest but considering they are out of the bowl picture, they are in a down turn and they have questions across the coaching board the Cards just do not have enough in the tank to play spoiler on the road.
Cheers
Irish
The knights are coming on of late winning their last five games. The last four games have been by commanding margins as well. Louisville is going the other direction losing their last four games and just looking like a football team that is in question. The Cardinals enter the game at 5-6 overall and 1-5 in BIG EAST play. Granted in those last few games Louisville has played Pitt, Cincy and WVU b ut they also lost to Cuse to start the down turn. THREE road games this season so far for Louisville, two big losses for them on the road and a win against paper game against a bad memphis team. This is a big game for Rutgers considering how they started the season, they have the home field advantage, they swagger and could get to the seven win mark and eek out a better bowl spot. This is a great spot for a hot team that has been clicking on offense and defense. Remember this team was very good last season and after starting 1-5 they lost some of the steam, but now they have found it and they are a tough out. I have noticed the line has gone down but I just do not see what Louisville brings into this game that keeps it closer than 2 touchdowns. Cardinals defeated the Scarlet Knights, 41-38, last season. In Rutgers? six wins this season, the Scarlet Knights have forced 15 turnovers (6 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries). In stark contrast, Rutgers has not recorded a takeaway in its five losses in 2008. Cantwell is a QB that will make big mistakes if forced to pass and under pressure. He becomes so consumed with the pass rush that he locks onto receivers and forces the throw. I have been against Teel all season but over the past few games he has found Britt deep and underwood underneath as a way to move the chains and score points. This is something they can do tonight as well. English has changed the way Louisville has played defense but I think that is not going to be the story tonight, remember on the road against Pitt the panthers dropped 40 on Louisville. The Scarlet Knights are tops in the league in conference play in scoring offense (29.5), pass efficiency (144.5), third-down conversions (44.8%). red zone offense (17-of-19, 89.5%) and fewest penalty yardage per game (41.8). The Scarlet Knights are second in pass offense (258.2), sacks (scoring defense (19.0 ppg) 19) and red zone defense (11-of-16, 68.8%). Third downs might be an issue but I think the knights momentum is enough to get them into the redzone and they will get points. I think Louisville would have to play a very good game to stay in this contest but considering they are out of the bowl picture, they are in a down turn and they have questions across the coaching board the Cards just do not have enough in the tank to play spoiler on the road.
Cheers
Irish
