The No.6 Auburn Tigers have their eyes on the big prize this year. After a disappointing 2014, the SEC giants made big changes on defense that are expected to help get them back into playoff contention. The first test for that much-hyped unit will come in the form of the Louisville Cardinals, who boast their own solid defense.
Who will get the job done in Week 1 at the Georgia Dome? Read on for our preview of this much-anticipated matchup. Meanwhile, check out our other Week 1 previews, No.4 Baylor vs. SMU and No.5 Michigan State vs. Western Michigan.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Louisville Cardinals vs. Auburn Tigers Preview
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta (neutral field)
When: Saturday, September 5, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Louisville Cardinals (+11) vs. Auburn Tigers (-11) – view all NCAA Football lines
Betting on the Louisville Cardinals
The Louisville Cardinals are coming off a successful 9-4 record last season, their first under head coach Bobby Petrino. The Cardinals leaned on a terrific defense that gave up just 308.5 yards allowed per game, sixth in the nation. Although that defense lost seven starters from last year, the pieces of a very solid unit are still there.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]The D-line remains a big strength, with defensive ends Sheldon Rankins and Pio Vatuvei as well as 320-pound nose tackle DeAngelo Brown all returning to form a solid run defense.
Auburn will likely add some more passing plays to their offense this season after a quarterback change, but Louisville has the personnel to trouble the Tigers’ passing game. They added former TCU standout Devonte Fields to a pass rush that recorded 41.0 sacks, 11th in the nation last season.
Meanwhile, former Georgia defensive backs Josh Harvey-Clemons and Shaq Wiggins will lead a revamped Cardinals secondary against a deep Tigers receiving corps.
Offensively, though, Louisville could have some problems keeping up with Auburn’s high-powered attack. The Cardinals, who averaged a middling 31.2 points per game last season, still aren’t settled on a starting quarterback, and whoever wins the job will be passing to a receiving corps that lost its top three receivers. Underachieving five-star wideout James Quick, as well as transfers Ja’Quay Savage and Jamari Staples will have to step up.
The Cardinals might have to rely on the running game in lieu of a reliable aerial attack. Running back Brandon Radcliff returns after averaging rushing for over 700 yards with 12 touchdowns last season, as will run-blocking right tackle Aaron Epps. But the O-line might need time to gel after the loss of three starters.
Betting on the Auburn Tigers
Auburn didn’t end last season on a particularly high note, with four losses in its last five games bringing its record to a middling 8-5 (4-9 against the spread). The Tigers also lost six starters on their prolific offense, including electric quarterback Nick Marshall, who led them to the national championship game in 2013.
Things are looking up for the Tigers this season, though. Junior Jeremy Johnson should be ready to step up at quarterback and will have a talented receiving corps at his disposal. But the role top receiver Duke Williams will play in the opener is still in question after his recent “discipline issue.”
With sophomore Roc Thomas and top junior college transfer Jovon Robinson in the backfield, head coach Gus Malzahn also has enough talent to form a solid running game, even against an imposing Louisville D-line. The last time Louisville faced a highly-ranked SEC opponent, it got burned for 292 rushing yards in a 37-14 loss to Georgia in the Belk Bowl last season.
However, the biggest reason for optimism at Auburn is due to positive developments on the defensive side of the ball, which Will Muschamp will take over this season. Muschamp’s Florida teams were in the top-10 nationally in total defense in three of his four years at Gainesville, and he’ll have some top talent to work with at Auburn.
Primary pass rusher Carl Lawson will be back from a torn ACL, and five-star defensive end recruit Byron Cowart should also make an immediate impact under Muschamp.
Louisville’s offense is already expected to take step back after the talent it lost on offense, and even with some minor improvements on defense, Auburn can limit the Cards’ effectiveness further.
Writer’s Prediction
Auburn sends an early message with a complete team performance to win and cover against Louisville. Create a betting account now and get the complete college football betting experience with America’s top sportsbook.
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