LSU Tigers vs. Louisville Cardinals – Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl Predictions, Odds, Picks and NCAA Football Betting Preview – December 31, 2016

LSU Tigers vs. Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview

Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando

When: Saturday, December 31, 11:00 PM ET

Line: LSU Tigers (-3) vs. Louisville Cardinals (+3); total: 59.5 – view all NCAA Football odds and lines

Betting on the LSU Tigers (-3)

Even with Les Miles out of the picture, the Tigers’ identity in this game should be the same and that’s playing with a stout defense. The Tigers are ranked 14th in the nation in total defense and sixth in scoring defense and they’ll get a big test from the high-scoring Cardinals. Containing Louisville quarterback and Heisman winner Lamar Jackson will be no petty task but LSU isn’t going to make it easy for Jackson either. Expect Jackson to get troubled by the likes of Arden Key and Davon Godchaux, who have 15.5 sacks together on the season. It should lit up the eyes of Key and Godchaux that Louisville’s offensive line resembles a dumpster on fire when it comes to quarterback protection. Louisville is ninth nationally in sacks allowed with 39 on the year.

The offense, particularly LSU’s passing attack, meanwhile, should get more credit than what it has been taking. Sure Danny Etling won’t be mentioned as among the best in the college ranks but consider the fact that the Tigers have passed for at least 200 yards in five of their last seven contests, including 324 in the 54-39 win over Texas A&M on November 24.

Then again, it should be LSU’s backfield which should dominate the offense with the pair of Derris Guice and Leo Fournette carrying most of the rushing duties. The two has combined for 2,092 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns.

LSU is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games.

Betting on the Louisville Cardinals (+3)

Lamar Jackson could end a memorable 2015 campaign with a bowl game victory in Orlando.

Jackson has been generating yards and touchdowns like they do in video games for most the season, having passed for 3,390 yards and 30 scores thus far. In addition, he’s also rushed for 1,538 yards and 21 touchdowns.

So long as Jackson is protected at least on an acceptable level and the Cardinals limit their turnovers, Louisville should be able to hang with LSU. The Cardinals had a -5 turnover margin in their last two games, but that shouldn’t take away the fact that they’re the highest-scoring team in the nation today, racking up 45.3 points per game.

Defensively, look for the Cardinals to try forcing LSU to leave much of its offense to Etling. Etling has been generally okay most of his time under center but it’s undeniable that the Tigers are so much more dangerous when the ball is in the hands of either Guice or Fournette.

The Cardinals boast of a 12th ranked defense that allows just 316.3 total yards per game. They’re also 32nd overall with 23.3 points surrendered per contest.

Louisville is 4-1 ATS in its last five games as the underdog.

Writer’s Prediction

Louisville (+3) wins, 32-30.

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