LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's victory over Bowling Green on Saturday was never really in doubt. But it didn't lack for some confusion, especially among the – there's no other way to say this – betting public.
As sports wagering became legit, it also became a very real part of the college football picture.
Which is why, when word got out before Saturday's game that running backs Isaac Brown and Duke Watson would be limited, as would wideout Chris Bell, there was some noticeable consternation among those who had invested in Louisville to cover a 26.5-point spread.
"I was concerned going into the game," Louisville coach Jeff Brohm said after the win. "We were a little short in some areas that we didn't broadcast, so I didn't like that."
Louisville | Kentucky | Indiana | Eric Crawford
He wasn't the only one.
Let me say this: I don't bet on football games. Every week, I make picks in this space against the spread. And I picked Louisville not to cover against Bowling Green.
In hindsight, I'm not sure it was great advice. Louisville was well on its way to covering — even without Brown (who carried once for 18 yards) and Watson — until it wasn't. The Cardinals' failure to finish drives with touchdowns, plus a couple of late scores against defensive reserves, allowed Bowling Green to beat the number.
Brohm isn't the type to run up the score after his team has accomplished its goals. But like everyone else watching closely, had I known most of the running back corps would be unavailable, I'd have made that pick with a little more confidence.
Moving forward, Louisville fans (and media) shouldn't have to worry about surprises like this — at least not in ACC games.
That's because the ACC, for the first time this season, has implemented a formal injury-disclosure policy.
For football, teams must submit availability reports two days before, one day before, and two hours before kickoff for conference games. Basketball and baseball teams will report one day before and again two hours before tipoff or first pitch in league play.
All information will be made public at theACC.com, and we'll publish it as it becomes available at WDRB.com.
For comparison, the SEC requires reports three days before kickoff. The Big Ten only mandates disclosure two hours before games. The NFL goes further, requiring daily practice injury reports and availability reports by 4 p.m. the day prior.
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said the new policy helps protect players from unwanted gambling pressure — and helps protect the game from damage to its credibility in a legalized wagering environment.
"There's stresses on our student-athletes from individuals that are trying to garner information," Phillips said. "Sometimes it's pretty innocent because they just want to know, they're a big fan. But other times it really does trickle and lead yourself to the gambling and sports wagering kind of path."
He acknowledged that coaches typically don't like revealing injuries. Last week at Louisville is proof of that. But Phillips also said he got no pushback when the policy was rolled out.
For fans — and yes, for the betting public — it's a step forward. And for a sport where everything else is already monetized and scrutinized, it arrives just in time.
Quick Sips
Say a prayer for Brian Hernandez Jr. The Kentucky Derby-winning jockey was seriously injured in a spill at Churchill Downs on Sunday. He suffered multiple injuries and is hospitalized. Hernandez is one of the great ambassadors of the sport in Kentucky and has long called it home. We'll share updates as they're available. Read more here.
Indiana is loud and clear. After a 63-10 demolition of No. 9 Illinois, Indiana shot up the AP Poll to No. 11, and served notice that it's a legitimate College Football Playoff contender again. Read my full recap
The Last Drop
"I don't know. I mean, you guys control all that stuff. I just gotta get them ready. And then we all play our games and see where it shakes out the end of the year."
— Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, on whether his team sent a message with Saturday's blowout of Illinois
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