Virginia Cavaliers (2-7) vs. Louisville Cardinals (8-1)
As the collegiate football scene moves into the critical stages of the NCAAF season, Week 11 brings us a gripping matchup between the Virginia Cavaliers and the Louisville Cardinals. The Thursday night spotlight on November 9, 2023, shines on Cardinal Stadium where the contrasting fortunes of both teams will collide. Virginia, struggling at 2-7, seeks to salvage pride, while Louisville’s impressive 8-1 record marks them as formidable opponents. This encounter not only sets the stage for an intriguing clash but also sharpens the focus for NCAAF picks.
The Cavaliers, despite their faltering record, come into this game with some confidence in the betting market, having gone 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last six games. Key players like quarterback Anthony Colandrea have shown glimmers of potential, and running back Perris Jones has proven his worth on the ground. However, it’s Malik Washington, the standout wide receiver, who has truly shone, amassing over a thousand receiving yards and six touchdowns, positioning him as a pivotal figure for Virginia’s offensive strategy.
In contrast, the Louisville Cardinals are flying high with only one loss marring their record. Under the guidance of quarterback Jack Plummer, who boasts a solid completion percentage and an impressive passer rating, the Cardinals have been soaring. The agility and touchdown-scoring prowess of running back Jawhar Jordan have been a nightmare for defenses, while Jamari Thrash has lived up to his name, thrashing defenses with his receiving yards and critical touchdowns.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Louisville Cardinals Game Info
| When: | Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Cardinal Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Anthony Colandrea QB vs. Jack Plummer QB
Anthony Colandrea steps onto the field with a mission to improve upon a mixed season. With 1123 passing yards and a 60.4 completion percentage, Colandrea has room to grow. His arm has seen a mix of touchdowns and interceptions, and the pressure has gotten to him, resulting in 10 sacks. His passer rating of 134.8, while respectable, will need a significant boost to counter Louisville’s defense.
Jack Plummer, on the other hand, has navigated the Cardinals to success with a more robust passer rating of 154.9. His tactical prowess and decision-making have yielded 14 passing touchdowns against 8 interceptions, numbers that reflect his balanced approach under pressure. The quarterback’s ability to connect with his receivers downfield, as evidenced by his 9.1 yards per pass attempt, might just be the edge Louisville needs to dictate the tempo of the game.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Louisville Cardinals -1000, Total Odds: 46.5
The odds are heavily tilted in favor of Louisville, with a spread that anticipates a commanding win for the Cardinals. The total at 46.5 suggests a game where offenses could shine, but recent UNDER trends indicate a potential tug-of-war between the Cardinals’ robust scoring ability and the Cavaliers’ defensive resilience.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Trends
Virginia has shown tenacity against the spread, a silver lining in an otherwise cloudy season. Their ATS performance, especially against higher-ranked opponents, indicates a tendency to outperform market expectations, even when their straight-up (SU) record leaves much to be desired.
Louisville Cardinals Betting Trends
Louisville’s betting trends depict a team that is as dominant in the market as on the field. Their near-perfect ATS record at home is a testament to their strength in front of a home crowd, and their SU record is equally intimidating. Against ACC opponents, Louisville has consistently delivered, making them a betting favorite.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Louisville Cardinals 11/9/23 Betting Picks
While the Cavaliers’ ATS record might entice some bettors, Louisville’s overall dominance can’t be ignored. The Cardinals have been relentless, particularly at home, and their offensive firepower is likely to overwhelm Virginia’s defense. The total, however, is a tighter call, with Virginia’s games trending UNDER recently.
In deciding the better pick, one must consider the Cardinals’ explosive offense and sturdy defense, making them the clear frontrunners. Prop bets focusing on individual player performances, particularly those of Malik Washington for Virginia and Jawhar Jordan for Louisville, could offer value. As for the over/under, cautious bettors might lean towards the UNDER, aligning with the recent trend when these two teams clash.
For those looking to engage beyond the spreads and totals, top online casinos offer a variety of betting options, including live betting, which could provide dynamic odds as the game unfolds.
Free Pick and Prediction: Louisville Cardinals 31, Virginia Cavaliers 13
