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Louisville vs. Miami Gambling Prediction & Russell Athletic Bowl Preview

Louisville vs. Miami College Football Spread/Handicapping

I think that Louisville might be the lowest ranked one-loss “major conference” team in history with an #18 next to their name heading into this one.

Louisville Cardinals (11-1) vs. Miami Hurricanes (9-3)
Saturday December 28
Florida Citrus Bowl – Orlando, FL
6:30PM
Moneyline: Louisville -170, Miami +160
Spread: Louisville -3
O/U: 57
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But for a home loss to UCF they might have been seriously considered for a spot in the BCS Championship Game but instead they get a different team from the state of Florida to contend with in Miami.

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The Hurricane took a big leap this year but it was clear against a team like Florida State, and even Duk,e that this program still has a long way to go to get back on top.

Louisville

The Cardinals should win this game if they are focused, but can they really be wondering whether their quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be playing his last game for Louisville and with rumours swirling that coach Charlie Strong may be at the top of the list to replace Mack Brown at Texas.

Throughout the season the Cardinals proved that they can be a very, very good team. Bridgewater looks more pre-ready than any other QB prospect in college football while their defense is statistically one of the best in the nation.

Without distraction they should show a reasonably talented Miami team a thing or two but if there is a lack of focus and some rust due to playoff, plus some disappointment that they completed the season they did and could not even get a New Year’s Day Bowl invite than this could certainly be a much closer game than you would think.
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That number is telling us to expect something like that.

Miami

For a little while there it was looking like things were back to “normal” for Miami. They won their first 7 games setting up a showdown between unbeatens when they faced Florida State.

The Seminoles beat the Hurricanes badly in that one and the effect of the game carried over to further losses against Virginia Tech and Duke – all by 18 points or more.

Losing top running back Duke Johnson didn’t help either as it put more pressure on senior QB Stephen Morris who had a better year as a junior.

Morris is very athletically gifted which should help negate a very good Louisville pass rush but in order for Miami to win he has to do more than just avoid the negative plays, he has to make some big plays himself. Johnson is still out but Miami has speed in the receiving corps.

WR Allen Hurns is a typical Miami receiver, big fast and physical, a guy who can win one-on-one matchups if challenged.

He has to be given a chance to be a factor.

Spread Pick: Louisville -3
O/U Pick: Under
Score Prediction: Louisville 31 – Miami 21

By The Wiesguy

The Wiesguy is a newcomer to the handicapping scene. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is always sweet on the underdogs and you can often find his thoughts, musings and picks at moneydogs.blogspot.com.