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Cincinnati Bearcats -3.5 at Louisville Cardinals
Last week the Bearcats beat West Virginia 26-23 in OT while the Cardinals were crushed 41-7 by Pitt. This is a huge Big East game for both teams, as the Bearcats are in a 3-way tie for first place in the conference and the Cardinals still need one more victory to be bowl eligible. The Bearcats enter the top 25 after beating 2 raked teams in their last 2 games while the Cardinals come into this game after losing 2 straight, including an embarrassing loss 2 weeks ago to 2-7 Syracuse. The Bearcats are led by QB Tony Pike (1229 yds 10 TD 3 INT), who is still recovering from surgery on his non-throwing arm. Pike's main targets are Marshwan Gilyard (43 rec 685 yds 7 TD) and Dominick Goodman (54 rec 668 5 TD). The Bearcats rushing attack is led by RB Jacob Ramsey (520 yds). The Cardinals are led by struggling QB Hunter Cantwell (1743 yds 13 TD 11 INT) and his main targets are Doug Beaumont (42 rec 508 yds) and Josh Chichester (20 rec 223 yds 1 TD). The Cardinals rushing attack is led by RB Victor Anderson (913 yds 7 TD).
Staff Pick: As of late the Cardinals have had the Bearcats number, as they have won 9 of the last 10 games between the two including the last 5. For the Bearcats to stop the streak they will have to stop Anderson and the Cardinals 31st ranked rushing attack. The Cardinals have the better rushing offense, which may be a major advantage in this game since the game calls for rain. The Cardinals rank 33rd in the nation on defense while the Bearcats rank 43rd. The secondary of the Cardinals has to step up in this game and stop the legit passing offense of the Bearcats. The Cardinals have been struggling on D lately, as in their last 5 games they have given up an average of 34 points in their last 5 games. The Cardinals also have to hold onto the ball, as they lead the Big East with 21 turnovers. This may be a good game to take the Cardinals, as they are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the spread and they are at home. This game could come down to the weather. If it rains the Cardinals definitely have the advantage, but if it does not the Bearcats will be able to pass the ball. Look for the Cardinals to control the game on the ground and continue their dominance of the Bearcats and win this game at home in an upset.
Cardinals 28 Bearcats 24
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