Notre Dame vs Louisville 2019 College Football Week 1 Lines & Preview

Despite the fact that Notre Dame sits less than 300 miles away from Louisville, the two programs have only met once, back in 2014, when Louisville eked out a 31-28 victory. Now the two programs square off with Notre Dame coming in off an embarrassing rout at the hands of Clemson in the national semifinal and Louisville coming in with new head coach Scott Satterfield. Louisville had put together eight consecutive winning seasons before things went way south in 2018, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, and their opening game represents a major challenge as well. Notre Dame looks to put aside those bad memories from the playoffs, while Louisville looks to get off to a fresh start. Don’t miss our sports betting preview of this Week 1 affair.

Notre Dame vs Louisville 2019 College Football Week 1 Lines & Preview

ONE. WEEK. #GoIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/wmvI10hCc0

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) August 27, 2019

When: Monday, September 2, 2019, 8:00pm ET Where: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, KY TV: ESPN Radio: Notre Dame Radio Network / UofL Radio Network Live Stream: ESPN+ College Football Week 1 Odds: Notre Dame -20 / O/U 57

Why should you bet on Notre Dame?

Not only did Louisville give up at least 50 points in each of their last five games, six of their last seven, and seven overall, their offense was also hobbled by a line that simply could not stop the pass rush or open up holes for running backs. That meant that the running game was virtually nil and the passing game just could not keep up. The Cardinals had way to many three-and-out drives — as well as sloppy ball security that led to turnovers. Notre Dame can rush the passer, with Khalid Kareem and Julian Okwara generating pressure from the edges. The Fighting Irish were not great at tackles for loss on running plays, but they could rush the passer. That could mean big problems for Louisville, if they struggle to run the ball or pick up yards on first and second down and have to drop back into passing formation on third down, as the Irish could feast on a variety of pass rush looks.

Why should you put your money on Louisville?

While the Louisville defense was porous last year, they do return with a lot more experience this year. Of the eleven top tacklers on last year’s team, nine are back, and the increased enthusiasm and consistency under a new coaching staff should pay dividends. On paper, the Louisville defense should not have been nearly as dreadful as they were in 2018, so these changes should bring the type of positive outcome that could lead to an upset. Louisville has a ton of talent at wide receiver as well. The team is still looking for a steady successor to former quarterback Lamar Jackson, but if they can get some consistency in their passing game, teams will not be able to load the box against the run, and the balance that results should lead to much better yardage — and point — totals for the Cardinals.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

We’re looking at this game against a 20-point spread, not straight up. Given the gap in talent, it would be foolhardy to put money down on Louisville posting an upset against a Notre Dame that should have plenty of motivation after that prime-time humiliation back in the winter — and plenty of talent, starting with returning quarterback Ian Book. Louisville has covered just three times in their last 16 home games and just once in their last eight games in September — and September is typically when teams have a cupcake or two on the schedule in nonconference play. Notre Dame has covered in six of their last eight September games, and while the Fighting Irish might have their eyes a little down the road on Georgia, they have the talent even to overcome a slow start and deliver a win. Can they win by 20? Yes, they can, particularly in a situation where they can make a statement. Final Score Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Louisville 10