The Cardinals face a big-conference foe in the season opener but the Purdue Boilermakers will be heavy underdogs despite playing the game in their home state inside the Indianapolis Colts’ stadium. Purdue won just three games a season ago because of a porous defense, and this is one of the worst matchups to have to begin a new season against such a dynamic offensive juggernaut in Louisville.
If the Cardinals truly want to be considered national championship contenders, they will need to blow out the Boilermakers with ease to open the year.
This contest in Week 1 of the regular season will go down Saturday, September 2, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium.
NCAA Football Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu
Louisville -24.5
Purdue +24.5
Over/Under 67.5
Odds Analysis
Louisville is the more talented team and a heavy favorite, but the majority of bettors believe Purdue is going to cover this spread. More than 60 percent of the money is jumping on the Boilermakers in that scenario.
The scoring total is high because the Cardinals should put up a ton of explosive plays, and more than 85 percent of the early action believes the “over” will hit.
Player To Watch
Lamar Jackson -- The junior became the youngest player ever to win a Heisman Trophy last season, claiming college football’s most coveted award at the age of 19. What will he do for an encore this season?
As a sophomore last year, Jackson threw for 3,543 yards and 30 touchdowns with nine interceptions. He also had 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground.
He was electric at the start of the season, and although he didn’t quite have the finish he and the rest of the Cardinals would have hoped, there is plenty reason to believe he can be just as dominating this year.
This is a great matchup for him as Purdue will struggle to keep him contained. The Cardinals do have some turnover on offense as Jackson’s main three pass-catchers have departed, but this is a group that should excel once again this season, led by the star signal-caller.
Key Stat
117. That was Purdue’s rank in points per game allowed last season out of 128 teams, giving up 38.2 points per contest. The Boilermakers had a stretch where they gave up 62 points to Penn State, 44 to Minnesota, 45 to Northwestern and 49 to Wisconsin.
The Big Ten is known for a lot of low-scoring affairs, but that wasn’t the case when the Purdue defense was on the field. Purdue returns six starters, led by linebacker Markus Bailey, who had 97 tackles last season and should be even better.
The secondary is the big concern and it will have to hold up against Jackson’s impressive arm.
Free ATS Pick
Purdue’s only chance in this one figures to be if the defensive front can get pressure on Jackson and force him into turnovers. In all likelihood, Louisville cranks up the tempo offensively and overwhelms the Boilermakers.
Purdue hopes to be improved in 2017 but this is not a good matchup. Louisville believes it has the type of talent for a special run and will be focused for this one. The Boilermakers should be able to cover because the location is better for them but Louisville won’t really be tested in the second half.
The scoring total is high but Louisville will lead the way as these teams will hit the “over” in this showdown.
College Football Odds: Louisville 45, Purdue 27
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
