The Louisville Cardinals play their home opener against the Houston Cougars. Can the Cardinals earn their first victory of 2015? We take a look below in the Louisville vs. Houston prediction and game preview.

Louisville vs. Houston Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Network: FSN

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Why You Need To Care

In one of the more interesting non-conference matchups of Week 2, former Conference USA rivals, Houston and Louisville, get reacquainted at Papa John’s Stadium. The Cards are chasing their first win of 2015, coming up short against Auburn in last week’s comeback bid. Meanwhile, the Cougars began the Tom Herman era by pounding Tennessee Tech, 52-24. Facing a quality ACC opponent affords Herman an opportunity to bring instant attention to his new team.

Why Houston Will Win

Herman inherited a team that’s deep in the backfield—both offensive and defensive. Those ball-hawking DBs, like CB William Jackson and S Adrian McDonald, will be facing a rookie quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Jackson may be a budding star, but he has just one game of college experience. The Cougars, conversely, have a proven dual-threat, Greg Ward Jr., behind center and bulldozing RB Kenneth Farrow.

Why Louisville Will Win

The Cardinals made QB Jeremy Johnson and the Auburn offense look ordinary last week, limiting them to just 327 total yards. They’ll do the same to Houston, which is still digesting Herman’s offense. Louisville might again boast one of the nation’s top 10 defenses, spearheaded by DE Sheldon Rankins, linebackers Keith Kelsey and James Burgess and S Josh Harvey-Clemons.

Player Who Matters

Jackson may not have started the Auburn game, but he already appears to be the future behind center for Bobby Petrino. He’s got a rifle for an arm and the athleticism to get to the edge on the Houston defenders. Still, he’ll have to be careful when throwing into coverage, because that Cougar secondary can be a turnover machine.

What’s Going To Happen?

Houston has significant potential now that it’s hired the right coach. However, it lacks the overall talent of a Louisville, which has the defensive personnel to stop the Cougars in their tracks. Plus, an evolving Cardinal O-line will get a break against an average Houston front, helping create space for Jackson and backs Brandon Radcliff and L.J. Scott.

Louisville vs. Houston Score Prediction

And the Louisville vs. Houston prediction is …

Prediction: Louisville 34, Houston 20

Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 2.5

MORE: Path To The College Football Playoff, Week 1