Finally. The Belk Bowl will have its first matchup of top-20 teams in its 13-year history when the Georgia Bulldogs meet the Louisville Cardinals on December 30. The bowl game also marks the first time these two teams will meet in their programs’ histories. Read on for our complete preview of this exciting matchup.
In the mood for some championship action? Check out our previews for the Florida State Seminoles vs. Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Alabama Crimson Tide College Football Playoff semifinal games.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Louisville Cardinals vs. Georgia Bulldogs Belk Bowl 2014 Preview
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
When: Tuesday, December 30, 6:30 PM ET
Line: Louisville Cardinals (+6.5) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (-6.5); total 56.5 – view all NCAA Football lines
Betting on the Louisville Cardinals
Can the Louisville Cardinals stop the Georgia Bulldogs from trampling over them? In theory, yes.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]The Cardinals have the third-ranked rushing defense in the nation, limiting opposing running backs to 2.9 yards per carry in the season. They’ve also conceded only nine rushing touchdowns in the season, the fourth-best mark in the nation.
Louisville’s defensive line has been excellent at keeping opponents from crossing the line of scrimmage. Defensive linemen Lorenzo Mauldin and Sheldon Rankins have 13 and 12.5 tackles for loss respectively, both top 10 marks in the ACC.
Aside from a very solid front seven, they also have one of the nation’s best cornerbacks in their secondary. Senior cornerback Gerod Holliman leads the nation with 14 interceptions this season (one returned for a touchdown). Holliman should be able to keep Georgia’s leading receiver Chris Conley in check.
While the Bulldogs love to run the ball, Louisville gets most of its production through the air. The Cardinals may start either Kyle Bolin or Reggie Bonnafon behind center. Regardless which quarterback starts, the Cardinals have a reliable target in DeVante Parker.
Parker missed the first seven games of the season due to injury. However, he racked up 735 yards and five touchdowns on 35 receptions in Louisville’s last five games alone. Having Bolin start behind center may be a better fit for Parker’s game. The two connected on six passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns in the Cardinals’ final game of the season against Kentucky.
The total has gone over in Louisville’s last four games.
Betting on the Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs have made a living running the ball this season. Don’t expect that to stop now despite Louisville’s top-ranked rushing defense.
Freshman running back Nick Chubb has been a workhorse for the Buldogs. He has rushed for 1,281 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Backup Sony Michel is a capable player in his own right as well. Michel has rushed for 7.1 yards per carry this season and has scored four touchdowns.
While the Bulldogs’ bread-and-butter is their rushing offense, they can also gain some traction on the passing game. Bulldogs quarterback Hutson Mason has been a capable passer for Georgia this season. He has completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 2,019 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Mason has also steered clear of turnovers, throwing only four interceptions.
Mason will get most of his production targeting wide receiver Chris Conley. The Bulldogs’ No. 1 receiver has team-highs of 577 yards and seven touchdowns. He can also threaten deep downfield averaging 18 yards per catch.
For Georgia to pull away, the defense needs to do its part in rattling Louisville’s rookie quarterbacks. They have the talent to do so. Linebackers Jordan Jenkins and Leonard Floyd have excelled in pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Jenkins and Floyd have been responsible for 20 and 12 QB hurries, respectively, this season.
The Bulldogs are 4-0 SU/ATS in their last four games as favorites of eight points or less.
Writer’s Prediction
The Bulldogs overwhelm Louisville with relentless rushing. Take Georgia to cover -6.5. There are plenty of bowl games to enjoy this holiday season. Create a betting account now and join in on the fun.
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