Florida International Golden Panthers (0-3 SU, 0-3 ATS) vs. LouisvilleCardinals (3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS)
College Football Week 4
Date and Time: Saturday, September 21, 12:00pm
Where: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium
TV: ESPN3
by Bob, Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: FIU +41/LOU -41
Over/Under Total: OFF
This Saturday we have one of those matchups that should and probably will
be a laugher. It’s one of those games where a Heisman Trophy hopeful pads
their stats and puts up video game type numbers. The game I am speaking
of is when the Golden Panthers of Florida International
will travel to Papa John’s Stadium to take on the number seven ranked Louisville
Cardinals. FIU has not won a game this season, and come in at 0-3
both straight up and against the spread, while Louisville is unbeaten and
still has their sites on a possible BCS title run. The line opens at 41
points, obviously in favor of the Cardinals. This game is a complete mismatch
and the Cardinals WILL win, write that down. However, the only question
that needs to be answered is will they cover the 41?
Louisville is coming off a win of their in-state rival, the Kentucky Wildcats. The win wasn’t as impressive as many would have imagined, but they got the win and moved on unscathed to continue their quest to somehow win that elusive BCS title. I wrote last week on the Kentucky/Louisville game and I made a statement about Louisville needing get “style points” in order to accomplish their ultimate goal. This week could be different though. I have no doubt that the Cardinals will come focused and their Heisman worthy QB, Teddy Bridgewater will shred the FIU defense. Louisville averages right at 40 points per game, and Bridgewater has their passing attack ranked in the top 10 nationally. Louisville should have no problem continuing this trend and put up a lot of points on the Golden Panthers defense that has already given up 38 points to Central Florida, and 34 points to Bethune-Cookman. I look for an offensive explosion this weekend. Louisville should easily put up 50 before the young guys come in to clean up the mess in the 4th quarter.
Florida Atlantic is in trouble, big trouble. They come in ranked 116th in points given up per contest, and 125th scoring. Now, don’t get me wrong, this early in the season, stats can be a little skewed due to one sided matchups but like I already said, FIU hasn’t played anyone worthy either. This Louisville team, will be the first team ranked in the top 50 that FIU will have faced thus far. FIU will need a miracle in order to even keep this game close. They will need every break to fall their way, play the game of their life, and have Louisville make mistakes of their own. Remember, I already told you the Cardinals didn’t look great this past weekend; I have no reason to think they will not come out ready to put this game away in a big, big way.
Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: There isnt a whole lot to say here. If I was the one wagering, I would stay clear of this game. No one likes a 41 point spread, way too much can go wrong. A missed field, missed PAT, one bad play creating an easy, unearned TD, 41 points is scary, but some people want to jump on this game, so where you go. Let’s just look at this in the simplest way. Louisville is 2-1 against the spread, and FIU is 0-3. FIU has played NO ONE, while Louisville has played a slightly better schedule. I see Bridgewater going off and I also see FIU not being able to move the ball on the Cardinal defense. Bet the Cardinals to win this thing big. Louisville wins 56-7: LOUISVILLE -41
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