Though Scott Satterfield ended his Louisville coaching tenure with an 8-5 season, highlighted by a Fenway Bowl win and cover per the closing College Football odds against Cincinnati, his overall performance as the program’s shot caller was less than stellar. Consequently, the University invested heavily in former alum Jeff Brohm, who quickly made an impact by leading the Cardinals to a 10-2 regular season and a trip to the ACC Championship game for the first time since joining the conference in 2014. Despite falling short against a Florida State team that marched out its third-string quarterback and a disappointing Holiday Bowl performance against USC, the 2022-23 season marked the beginning of a promising new era under the new regime. With 12 starters returning and new talent added via the transfer portal, the online sportsbook has set Louisville’s win total odds at 8.5, with heavy vig situated on the under. Let’s delve into the team’s offseason moves and determine the best approach towards betting it for the upcoming season!
College Football Season Wins Odds
Louisville Cardinals 2024-25 Regular Season Win Total Odds
Louisville Over 8.5 Wins +123
Louisville Under 8.5 Wins -151
A Case for the Over: Jack Plummer did a decent job leading the offensive attack last season, but the unit struggled in the passing department—an unexpected inefficiency for a team overseen by a former quarterback. Enter Tyler Shough, who demonstrated his skills and talent during his time at Oregon and Texas Tech, amassing over 4,600 yards and 36 touchdowns. Unfortunately, injuries have derailed every season the Ducks or Red Raiders named him their QB1. If Shough can finally avoid the injury bug this season, the Cardinals' offense should surpass the outputs that led to their No. 56 passing offense ranking last year. The transfer portal has brought in three standout pass catchers: Caullin Lacy, Ja’Corey Brooks, and Mark Redman. With over 1,900 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns needing to be replaced in the backfield, and the offensive line entering the season as a big question mark, the passing game must excel. Otherwise, the Redbirds’ offense will be left dead in the water.
A Case for the Under: Surprisingly, it was DC Ron English’s defense that allowed the Cardinals to exceed expectations last season. Ranked No. 21 overall and No. 35 in points allowed, while being a stonewall against the run (No. 10), the Cardinals' 10 wins went on to bury a competitive 8-game impost. Consequently, Louisville enters this CFB betting campaign having cashed over tickets for the past two seasons. While the transfer portal was utilized to patch some potential leaks, it’s uncertain if these additions will maintain the defensive level Cardinals fans and bettors grew accustomed to last season. There are significant question marks at the linebacker positions, and it remains to be seen if the new faces brought in to support sackmaster Ashton Gillotte will enable him to match last year’s 11 QB takedowns. Thankfully, the secondary is a strength, with three starters returning from a unit that allowed just over 217 yards per game (No. 57). It will be interesting to see how the defense holds up should the front seven be unable to generate as much havoc as they did last season.
2024-25 Louisville Cardinals Schedule
| DATE | OPPONENT |
| Aug 31 | vs. Austin Peay |
| Sep 7 | vs. Jacksonville State |
| Sep 14 | OFF |
| Sep 21 | vs. Georgia Tech |
| Sep 28 | at Notre Dame |
| Oct 5 | vs. SMU |
| Oct 12 | at Virginia |
| Oct 19 | vs. Miami-FL |
| Oct 25 | at Boston College |
| Nov 2 | at Clemson |
| Nov 9 | OFF |
| Nov 16 | at Stanford |
| Nov 23 | vs. Pittsburgh |
| Nov 30 | at Kentucky |
What's that saying? “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!” I won’t be fooled again into thinking Tyler Shough can complete a full 12-game schedule and put the Cardinals in a position to compete for ACC bragging rights for a second straight season. His body has routinely failed to handle the wear and tear, and I don't see that changing in 2024. Pass protection wasn’t great last season, and it might be even worse this time around with all the new faces on the offensive line. Never one to shy away from contact, Shough must exercise caution when he decides to tuck it and run. He has shown the ability to use his legs effectively, but at what cost? Should he go down, Louisville doesn’t have much experience or talent behind him. Brohm might be able to work some wonders, but not enough to navigate a schedule that includes @Notre Dame, @Virginia, Miami, and @Clemson. The front half of the slate might see the team well on its way towards cashing the over on its season win total, but I don’t see the back half being nearly as kind, especially with Shough likely to suffer another season-ending injury.
College Football Win Total Prediction: Louisville Cardinals Under 8.5 Wins
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!
Check out the latest odds at BookMaker
