Game: Louisville Cardinals @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Odds: Cardinals -7.5, Yellow Jackets +7.5
Total: 50
Tonight’s matchup between Louisville and Georgia Tech on a neutral ground in Atlanta marks the start of the Jeff Brohm era in Louisville. Although the Yellow Jackets have covered in six of their last seven games as underdogs, Louisville opened as more than a touchdown favorite as it attempts to build on a 5-2 SU and ATS finish from last season. Additionally, Georgia Tech has won the last two games by a combined 112-58 over Louisville.
The Cards were 5-2 SU and ATS in their final seven games last year, including a victory against Cincinnati in the Fenway Bowl, so optimism is high in Louisville. A defense that led the country in sacks was a crucial factor in Louisville’s success down the stretch in 2022. That defense contributed to the Under cashing in each of the Cardinals’ final four games.
However, this season Louisville might adopt a more offensive strategy as Brohm takes over as head coach in place of the departed Scott Satterfield. Brohm and the new starting quarterback Jack Plummer are acquainted from their time together at Purdue, and Jamari Thrash leads a talented group of receivers.
The Yellow Jackets haven’t bowled since 2018, but at least they’ll have some momentum going into 2023. Since Brent Key took over as the team’s head coach in place of Geoff Collins, Georgia Tech is 4-4, with two of those victories coming against highly regarded opposition. Over the summer, Key was busy in the transfer market, especially when it came to adding offensive talent. The quarterback duo of Haynes King and Zach Pyron makes for a potent one-two punch for the Yellow Jackets, who also have a wealth of running back and receiving options.
Normally, there would be worries about an offense with a new coach and a new starting quarterback. But, Brohm’s experience with Plummer might make it easier for the Cardinals to start playing well right away. The Louisville defense will play a key role as well – stopping the run.
The Yellow Jackets had a 5-0 SU record last season when they ran for at least 150 yards and a 0-7 record when they didn’t. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets should be more explosive in the passing game this season and may be able to make some big plays against a Louisville defense that is adjusting to a new base scheme. They also lost key players in the secondary. A strong running game is a key for success for Georgia Tech tonight.
Georgia Tech is 6-3 ATS in its last nine games, but they are only 1-5 ATS in their last six Week 1 games. The Under is 5-1 in Georgia Tech’s last six games played in September and don’t forget, the Under hit in all four of Louisville’s final four games last season. The Under is also 4-1 in the Cardinals’ last five games played in September.
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