College Football Predictions: Florida International vs. Louisville Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Friday, 09 September 2011 15:30

Predictions are ready in our preview of today’s college football game between Louisville and Florida International.

Our preview of today’s 7:00 PM ET college football game between the Florida International Panthers (1-0) and the Louisville Cardinals (1-0) will help everyone know what to expect.  The clash is set to be shown live on ESPN and close to 75% of tracked college football bettors are taking Louisville to cover the point spread.

Before we discuss predictions on how this game will play out, I want to point out that the college football odds at 5Dimes Sportsbook (50% cash bonus to our readers, FYI) seem quite low.  Louisville is at home and playing a Sun Belt team, yet the odds makers have made the Cardinals only 4-point favorites on the spread.  That is the main reason that so many are taking Louisville over Florida International, and we’ll try to find out why the point spread is set the way it is.  Those looking to wager on the total will find the number set at 48.5 points.

Louisville opened up their season with a very disappointing 21-9 win over Murray State while showing holes on both sides of the ball.  The Cardinals lost a ton of seniors from last season’s 7-6 squad and they are in a bit of a rebuilding mode right now whether they’ll actually admit it or not.  In addition to the losses, the Cardinals have numerous injuries including one to starting quarterback Will Stein’s ankle that has him listed as probable for this game.  Stein has some experience as a college starting quarterback, but the inexperience surrounding him will hinder the Cardinals this year.  Louisville was only average on defense and they’ll have to improve on that side of the ball as well if they want to challenge for a winning record.

Florida International dominated North Texas in their opener, taking home a 41-16 win as 13.5-point favorites.  Unlike Louisville, the Panthers bring back a few key pieces, including starting quarterback Wesley Carroll.  Florida International wasn’t always a great passing team last season but they showed the ability to run the ball effectively.  This team put up 208 rushing yards in their opener while the defense looked solid.  Expectations on the defense should, however, be left fairly low for the time being because North Texas was a team without many returning starters on offense that was in the first game while learning a new scheme.

Louisville’s offense should start to score points as the season goes on but it might be too early in the year to do too much against what looks to be a solid defense.  Florida International will keep the game close by moving the ball with running plays and shorter passes.  The grinding of the clock will help the under get in and this game could theoretically be as close as the point spread indicates.  Our Florida International vs. Louisville preview will avoid picking a team to cover and instead will make predictions on the under 48.5 being the best bet on the board.

Florida International vs. Louisville Score Predictions:

Florida International 20

Louisville 24