No. 15 Scarlet Knights Host No. 3 Cardinals
by Robby Maddux
Rutgers enter this contest as the puppies which may bode well for their backers, because the Scarlet Knights are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog.
In order to pull off the upset, Rutgers (8-0 SU & 4-2-1 ATS) will need to have a solid ground game. The duo of RBs Brian Leonard and Ray Rice is averaging over 180 yards on the ground per game this year for Rutgers. However, Louisville limited the two to a combined 79 yards on 20 carries last season.
One strategy Louisville may employ is to stack the line of scrimmage against Leonard and Rice and force Rutgers QB Mike Teel to throw.
The Cardinals will be attempting to keep their title hopes alive. If Louisville can finish the season unbeaten, it will have a good chance to play for the national title.
Louisville (8-0 SU & 5-3 ATS) vaulted to No. 3 in the Bowl Championship Series standings after last Thursday's 44-34 victory over then-No. 3 West Virginia. The Cardinals, who have never opened 9-0, are behind Ohio State and Michigan, which meet in Columbus on Nov. 18.
Reigning Big East offensive player of the week QB Brian Brohm is rounding into form for the Cardinals, who are generating nearly 500 yards of offense per game -- the second-best mark in Division I-A. Brohm, who missed two games with a right thumb injury, threw for a season-high 354 yards and a TD against the Mountaineers.
Last year, Brohm threw for 315 yards and three TDs in a 56-5 victory over Rutgers. But in this game it may be a different story considering the Scarlet Knights rank No. 2 nationally in total defense (227.38 ypg) and pass defense (135.3 ypg), and they've allowed only four TD passes in eight games, second fewest in Division I-A.
Notable Game Trends:
- Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games.
- Cardinals are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 night games.
- Cardinals are 22-10 ATS in their last 32 games as a favorite.
- Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
- Cardinals are 23-11 ATS in their last 34 games overall.
- Scarlet Knights are 4-1-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
- Scarlet Knights are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games as a home underdog.
- Scarlet Knights are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a bye week.
- Scarlet Knights are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 conference games.
- Scarlet Knights are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
