LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jacksonville State, which is located in central Alabama, not northeast Florida, was not supposed to be the program the University of Louisville football program played in its second game of the 2024 season.
That team was supposed to be Indiana.
But in attempt to help embattled Tom Allen survive as their coach, the Hoosiers bought their way out of the final two seasons of a three-game contract with the Cards after U of L defeated IU, 21-14, last season.
Indiana replaced U of L with Western Illinois, which ranks No. 248 in Jeff Sagarin's computer power formula. IU is favored to win that game by 42 points Friday night in Bloomington.
U of L replaced IU with Jacksonville State, No. 121. Both teams should win to move to 2-0. With next Saturday off, U of L will have to wait two weeks before the Cardinals are tested by visiting Georgia Tech.
Indiana paid its way out of the deal by writing a $1 million check and then also paid off Allen. The Hoosiers' exhibition season will pause next Saturday when they visit Pasadena, California, to play UCLA in the Rose Bowl.
On to Louisville's path to getting to 2-0:
The Time: Saturday, 3:30 p.m., L&N Cardinal Stadium
How to Watch/Listen: TV — ACC Network Extra, Jorge Sedano, play by play; Charles Arbuckle, analyst; Louisville Sports Properties Network, 93.9 FM in Louisville, Paul Rogers, play by play; Craigh Swabek, analyst; Jody Demling, sidelines.
The Line: Point spread — Louisville favored by 28.5 points; Over/under total points — 56.5 points.
The Last Time: First time the Cardinals have played the Gamecocks.
The Records: Jacksonville State lost its home opener to Coastal Carolina, 55-27, while the Cardinals dispatched Austin Peay, 62-0.
Player to Watch for Jacksonville State: Senior running back Tre Stewart led the team in rushing against Coastal Carolina, gaining 62 yards, with a touchdown, in only four carries. Stewart has rushed for more than 3,000 yards in his career. He is a transfer from Division II Limestone University in South Carolina
Player to Watch for Louisville: Freshman running back Isaac Brown looked the part of a future star for the Cards, rolling to 123 yards and a touchdown in only five carries.
Sideline Storylines:
- This is Jacksonville State's second season as an FBS program. The Gamecocks finished 9-4 last season and wil complete this season at Western Kentucky on Nov. 30.
- Although the programs have never met, this will be the Cards' third game against a team coached by Rich Rodriguez, who led Tulane, West Virginia, Michigan and Arizona before landing at Jacksonville State. Rich Rod, 61 years old, is 2-1 against Louisville.
- Although the Gamecocks lost their home opener to Coastal Carolina, 55-27, last week, they did post a 97-yard passing play and convert a 47-yard field goal. They also gained 6.3 yards per play.
- Tyler Shough's 232 passing yards in the first half against Austin Peay were the most passing yards in the opening half debut for any U of L quarterback since Jay Gruden threw for 234 yards against Western Kentucky in 1986.
- Louisville's three freshmen running backs, Isaac Brown, Keyjuan Brown and Duke Watson, combined for 274 yards and three touchdowns against Austin Peay, averaging 13.7 yards per carry.
- Louisville ranks first among all FBS programs in four statistical categories after Week 1: total defense, scoring defense, fourth down conversion and net punting.
The Quote: Random thoughts from Rodriguez:
"They're probably the most athletic defense in the ACC. (Brohm) has done a great job there ... our guys know the challenge in front of them. I think it will be a great effort."
The Pick: Louisville 42, Jacksonville State 14.
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