LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- In the last week of September, the next two games on Louisville's football schedule looked like two games in which coach Jeff Brohm could exhale and work in many reserves.
Virginia Tech was 1-3, unable to defeat Marshall. Virginia was 0-4, unable to defeat anybody.
The script flipped. Virginia, Louisville's opponent next Thursday night, has won two of its last three, defeating North Carolina on the road.
And Virginia Tech has won three of four, including a trio of Atlantic Coast Conference games.
The Hokies will make their first appearance at L&N Cardinal Stadium with a 3-1 league record. They are a half-game behind the 4-1 Cards, which means the winner will stand alone in second place in the ACC behind Florida State on Saturday night.
The Time: Saturday, 3:30 p.m., L&N Cardinal Stadium.
How to Watch/Listen: TV — ACC Network Chris Cotter, play by play; Mark Herzlich, analyst; Ashley Stroelin, sidelines; Radio — Louisville Sports Properties 93.9 FM, 970 AM Paul Rogers, play by play; Craig Swabek, analyst; Jody Demling, sidelines.
The Line: Point Spread Louisville favored by 9.5; Over/Under total points 48.
The Last Time: The Hokies defeated the Cardinals, 42-35, in Blacksburg during the 2020 COVID season.
The Series: Virginia Tech has won six of eight, including the last two. Jeff Brohm was the Cards' quarterback the last time U of L defeated Tech, 21-17, in 1992.
The Records: After starting 1-3, Tech has improved to 4-4. The Hokies defeated Old Dominion, Pitt, Wake Forest and Syracuse. They lost to Purdue, Rutgers, Marshall and Florida State, UofL is 7-1. The loss was to Pitt. The Cards defeated Georgia Tech, Murray State, Indiana, Boston College, North Carolina State, Notre Dame and Duke.
Player to Watch Virginia Tech: Halfback Bhayshul Tuten has become a force, running for 109 yards against Pitt and 118 against Syracuse. He leads Tech with seven touchdowns — four rushing, two receiving and one returning a kickoff.
Player to Watch Louisville: Halfback Jawhar Jordan proved his importance (again) quickly against Duke, rolling to 163 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jordan leads the ACC in rushing (824 yards) and touchdowns (11).
Sideline Storylines:
- Tech coach Brent Pry is in his second season after following Justin Fuente. Pry came to Blacksburg after spending eight seasons at Penn State, the last four as defensive coordinator. He overall records at Tech is 7-12.
- Tech does not have players from Kentucky. Louisville defensive back Cam'Ron Kelly is from Chesapeake, Virginia and Cards' center Bryan Hudson played in 21 games for the Hokies in 2019 and 2020 before transferring to Louisville.
- Tech brings a fierce pass rush. The Hokies lead the ACC with 30 sacks, including eight against Syracuse last week.
- Tech receiver Da'Quan Felton is a legit deep threat, with touchdown receptions of 62 and 54 yards.
- The Cards will pursue their 10th consecutive victory at home.
- Louisville's defense has improved to second in the ACC in points allowed at only 18 per game. The Cards are also second in rushing defense at 91.4 yards.
- Louisville has outscored opponents 62-7 in the first quarter.
The Quote: Pry shared his thoughts on the Cards:
"Obviously, Louisville is a really, really good football team. Very impressed – offense, defense, and the kicking game.
"I've known Coach Brohm from being in the Big Ten and coaching against him. Got a ton of respect for him from his time at Purdue and the improvements they made there.
"We've got our hands full. Big challenge. Talented tailback, really stingy defense. They just shut out a good Duke team."
The Pick: Louisville 30, Virginia Tech 17.
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- Louisville jumps to No. 15 in AP poll after Saturday's win over Duke
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