Louisville's Steve Kragthorpe knows how important this game is for his job and Louisville's program. Grab the Cardinals and the points at home vs. the Pitt Panthers.
Don't be fooled by the final scores of the Louisville Cardinals games this season. In the opener against Indiana State, Head Coach Steve Kragthorpe called a very vanilla game. They outplayed Kentucky statistically in every category besides sacks and kick off return yardage in a close loss, and they played a lot better against Utah than the score reflects aside from costly turnovers. They had to travel cross-country after an emotional and physical draining game against their in-state rival Kentucky and came out flat as expected.
They get to start fresh here in conference play Friday. Louisville quarterback Justin Burke was a record-setting player at Lexington Catholic High School and has the ability and the playmakers surrounding him to hurt you. Kragthorpe knows this and he may have a nice mismatch on his hands Friday night.
The Pitt Panthers' secondary has played below their ability and is a huge question mark right now. They're allowing 239 yards per game through the air which Kragthorpe should be licking his chops this week when he is game planning his offensive strategy.
The Cardinals have enough weapons at receiver with guys like Scott Long, Doug Beaumont and tight end Cameron Graham to pose big play threats against this Panthers defensive backfield. Last week Pitt couldn't contain N.C. State QB Russell Wilson who used not just his arm but his feet as well to hurt them. Burke isn't as much of a threat as Wilson on the ground but he is mobile enough to maneuver around the pocket and make a big play.
Aside from their passing attack, add to the mix Victor Anderson who is one of the most explosive backs in the Big East. His counterpart Bilal Powell, who is a physical running back between the tackles, has yet to have a breakout game. They must get Powell more involved in this game against Pittsburgh who has been solid vs. the run this year. If they get both of these guys going early it will definitely open up the passing game for the Cards to exploit Pitt.
The Cardinals' defensive strength is probably their secondary. The Panthers are led by QB Bill Stull who will dink and dunk you to death with check down passes, but doesn't stretch the field much with his arm. The Louisville defense is a lot faster then last year and has showed signs that they can be a solid group. Pitt who is converting just 35% of their third downs will be tested against a Louisville defense that uses a bend but don't break philosophy this year.
This line is slightly inflated and we'll jump on the value of the home dog in this contest. Kragthorpe is certainly on the hot seat, and we know with this game on national television he will have his players ready to go. He knows the urgency of this game because his job depends on it and for recruiting purposes as well. Back the Cards who have the talent to compete and maybe even win this game so take the points.
Free Pick: Louisville +6½