Western Kentucky vs. Louisville – College Football, September 12, 2020

With an ACC matchup against the Hurricanes looming the following week on ABC, the Cardinals better not take their opener for granted. Western Kentucky isn’t some Group of 5 “scrub” that scheduled this game simply to boost their revenue.

The Hilltoppers are a more than capable opponent that’ll make the 113-mile journey north from Bowling Green with ambitions of winning this game.

Let’s dive into a preview and work our way towards generating a Western Kentucky vs. Louisville pick.

These two teams squared off last season in Nashville, with the Cardinals outpacing the Hilltoppers 38-21. Louisville was the far superior team and was never threatened in that matchup, but view that box score with a grain of salt.

That was just the third game in Tyson Helton’s college football head coaching career, and his first against a Power 5 squad. Helton wound up turning a three-win team into a nine-win team in his first season on “The Hill.”

The expectations are that the WKU program is even better in 2020. If nothing else, that makes this 12-point spread quite intriguing.

After bursting onto the scene as a sophomore in 2020, Micale Cunningham has emerged as an early sleeper to win the 2020 Heisman Trophy. Among others, ACC analyst Mark Richt is especially impressed after watching the dual-threat quarterback go to work.

“I think Micale Cunningham may show everybody up in the league.”@MarkRicht thinks @UofLFootball is a 10-win team in 2020 ?? pic.twitter.com/yob8lbGt7p

— ACC Network (@accnetwork) August 14, 2020

Louisville’s running game is in great hands as Javian Hawkins returns after the rushing for over 1,500 yards as a redshirt freshman. Hawkins utilizes his quickness and agility to find gaps in the defense, while Hassan Hall is a 204-pound bruiser who’s not afraid to run between the tackles.

Throw in speedster Tutu Atwell and his ability to dominate the outside, and the Cardinals offense is set to prosper.

The main obstacle standing in Scott Satterfield’s way is the Hilltoppers bone-crushing defensive end, DeAngelo Malone. Talk about a dude who can wreak havoc from all over the field, the future NFL stud amassed 100 tackles and 11.5 sacks en route to being named as the C-USA Defensive Player of the Year.

WKU brings back RB Gaej Walker and welcomes Maryland transfer QB Tyrell Pigrome – a combination that forms a formidable “1-2 punch” in the backfield. And while Lucky Jackson and his 94 receptions have moved on, WR Jahcour Pearson is ready to enter the limelight.

Don’t look now, but the Hilltoppers are quietly building a foundation that’s going to allow them to thrive. Which leads me unveiling my Western Kentucky vs. Louisville pick…

Louisville has the more talented roster and is probably going to win this game. However, nothing is too exciting about backing the Cardinals at -460, and I’m far from convinced they’re going to put WKU away early.

That’s why I’m jumping on the Hilltoppers and taking the 12 points for my Western Kentucky vs. Louisville prediction.

Coach Helton’s front seven is stable enough to deter the Cardinals running game from getting into a rhythm. The Hilltoppers offense has enough firepower to play catch up if that’s what’s needed, and here’s what pushed me over the edge.

Louisville faces Miami next and has a date with the Fighting Irish lurking next month. On the flip side, this game against the Cardinals is the biggest contest on the Hilltoppers 2020 slate.

Look for WKU to show its teeth and display a lot of determination at Cardinal Stadium.