Miami at Louisville (-3.5) TV: ESPN 8 pm Monday
Daniel: Louisville losing star receiver DeVante Parker to a foot injury and the fact that running back Michael Dyer (yes, that Michael Dyer) is questionable, really helps Miami’s odds in this one. Taking a true freshman quarterback on the road and hoping for a win against a strong Louisville program is a lot to ask, but I think the Hurricanes can get it done. Look for Miami running back Duke Johnson to have a big night and for the second round of the Bobby Petrino at Louisville era to get off to a rough start. Winner: Miami, 28-21.
Houston: Breaking in a true freshman on the road is never something that a coach looks forward to, but that’s exactly what Al Golden will be doing when he trots out Brad Kaaya against the Cardinals. That, coupled with the fact that Miami has to travel over 900 miles for their Monday night battle in Louisville will ultimately prove too much for the Hurricanes. Miami’s athletes will keep them in the game, but ultimately the home team pulls one out in the fourth quarter. Winner: Louisville, 31-23.
Reed: Al Golden isn’t the coach everyone thinks he is. His teams consistently underachieve, especially on the road, and the Hurricanes will be starting a true freshman QB in this one. Though the Cardinals have home field advantage and the coaching edge, I’m going with the Hurricanes in a small upset. Duke Johnson’s ability to make plays, Louisville’s struggle to grasp Petrino’s system in his first game back and Miami’s edge in talent and experience will be the difference. Winner: Miami, 27-24.
Zach: In my opinion, this is one of the hardest games of the week to pick. Bobby Petrino has returned to Louisville, and considering the success he had there previously, it’d be easy to pick the Cardinals and never look back. But Al Golden and his Miami Hurricanes can surprise folks at times. I’ve never been quite sold on Golden as a coach, but every now and then he can find lighting in a bottle. The deciding factor for me is the fact that Brad Kaaya, a true freshman, will be starting for Miami. I think Louisville wins a close one. Winner: Cardinals, 24-17.
We’ll publish our Tennessee game picks the morning before every game. Look for them this Sunday.
