CFB odds: The Louisville Cardinals are coming off 11 and 12 win seasons the past two years but the head coach that led them to the glory, Charlie Strong, has moved on to coach at Texas. Enter Bobby Petrino, who originally ignited the Louisville program a decade ago but also alienated fans by flirting with other jobs all the while. Petrino returns after failing in the NFL with Atlanta, reviving an Arkansas program before having to resign in disgrace, and spending a year in exile at Western Kentucky where he led them to a bowl last season. Petrino claims to be humbled and grateful to be back at The Ville. There is no doubt the man can coach and that is reassuring as the Cardinals join the Atlantic Coast Conference this season. Louisville opened at BetDSI as a +23500 choice to win the BDS national championship with an over under win total of 8 -115 over and -115 under.
Lots of Questions
Petrino inherits a team that has seven starters returning on offense and just four on defense. Sophomore Will Gardner is expected to take over at QB as superstar Teddy Bridgewater has moved on to the NFL. The offensive line, defensive line, and wide receivers are all highly rated which gives Petrino something to build on. Louisville plays in the Atlantic Division of the ACC with defending national champion Florida State and rising power Clemson. The defense allowed just 12 points per game last year and that level of performance will be difficult to repeat with such a loss of talent.
Handicapper’s Notebook
Louisville has covered the spread in eight out of their last nine games as a dog as just seven out of their last 20 games as a dog have gone under the total. Louisville has paid out in just seven out of their last 18 games as a favorite as just three out of their last 14 games as a chalk have gone over the total. Louisville has covered the spread in just six out of their last 16 games at home with just five out of their last 15 home games have gone over the total. The Cardinals have been a dangerous away team with 14 payouts in their last 20 games on the road.
Our Prognosis
A bowl is almost certain but it will be an up and down year of transition and tougher competition in the ACC.
