The Louisville Cardinals are counting down to their season opener, exactly 94 days away from a showdown with Ole Miss on Sunday, September 6.
Early forecasts have the Cardinals dropping that first game, with a projected final score of 31‑28 in favor of the Rebels.
Despite that setback, the outlook quickly brightens as the team is slated to dominate Villanova 52‑7, followed by a narrow victory over SMU, 35‑31, and a comfortable win against Wake Forest, 28‑17.
The momentum carries into conference play, where Louisville is expected to edge NC State 27‑17, outlast Florida State 28‑24, and survive a tight battle with Syracuse, 31‑28.
Additional non‑conference victories are projected against Stanford, North Carolina, Pitt, and Kentucky, while the only scheduled loss in the model comes at the hands of Georgia Tech, 28‑24.
Overall, the model predicts a 10‑2 record, with a 7‑1 mark inside the ACC, suggesting a strong finish to the season.
If the projections hold, the Cardinals could see a resurgence under their current coaching staff, positioning them as contenders for the ACC title and a potential spot in a major bowl game.