The No. 15 Louisville Cardinals will host the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Cardinals are one of two ACC schools still ranked and are looking to avoid another letdown after a disappointing loss to Pittsburgh just a couple of weeks ago. A lot would have to go right for Louisville, but they still have a decent shot at making the College Football Playoff.
Their current odds hover around the top 10 in the nation. Style points matter, so it’s critical they handle business in this game. However, the Hokies are a conference foe and could easily be a trap game for the Cardinals, who have two big games quickly approaching as the season nears an end. We’re taking a look at the Louisville vs. Virginia Tech odds and some of the best Kentucky sportsbook bonuses for the game.
Best Kentucky Sportsbook Bonuses for Louisville vs. Duke
There are nearly $4,000 in bonuses up for grabs from the top Kentucky online sportsbooks. The offers include $1,000 and higher first bets and hundreds in guaranteed bonus bets. Check out the list below to see what’s available and claim as many as you would like to wager on the Cardinals later today.
Louisville vs. Virginia Tech Preview and Odds
The Cardinals are 9.5-point favorites on most sportsbooks, which isn’t a lot considering they are at home and are a Top 25 program right now. That’s especially so when you factor in the Hokies are a 4-4 team with losses to Purdue and Marshall (Sun Belt opponent). The over/under is set at 48.5 points, which isn’t surprising given the offensive output of the Cardinals all season long and of the Hokies over the last four games.
Louisville Cardinals: Jack Plummer Highs and Lows
Jack Plummer is the x-factor in every game for the Cardinals. As the starting QB, that’s not technically a good thing. If things are going their way, running back Jawhar Jordan is usually having a good to great game, and Plummer is allowed to manage the game comfortably. If Jordan isn’t having a big day and Plummer has to throw the ball more, that’s where things get sticky.
In their lone loss to Pittsburgh, Jordan was held to eight rushing yards. That led to 52 passing attempts from Plummer. One of them was a pick six in the third quarter when the Cardinals were down by three. It flipped the momentum of the game, and they were never able to overcome the deficit relying on Plummer’s arm.
Plummer has thrown eight interceptions this year. He has an interception in all but three games. Against quality competition, those interceptions usually lead to tight games. The Hokies, although 4-4, are quality competition. They are tied for fourth in the nation in sacks. The pressure they bring will have a significant impact on Plummer’s play, which could make or break the outcome of this fame for the Cardinals.
Virginia Tech Hokies: The Emergence of Kyron Drones
Kyron Drones started the season on the bench in favor of Senior Grant Wells. He has since taken over the starting spot and has gotten better by the week. In six starts, he has only tossed one interception. Additionally, he brings an additional rushing threat to the backfield, which makes their offense much more challenging to contain.
In his shortened season, he has already rushed for 400 yards and four touchdowns to go along with his 1,236 passing and seven passing touchdowns. After a slow start in his first three games of the season, he has led the Hokies’ offense to at least 30 points in three of his last four starts. The one game he didn’t was against then ranked No. 5 Florida State. If he can continue that level of offensive production, the Cardinals’ offense may have to allow Plummer to throw the ball more than would like to keep up the pace.
A Plummer interception or two to give the Hokies’ extra possessions could lead to a statement win for Drones and the Hokies.
Louisville vs. Virginia Tech Prediction
Given how little the Hokies turn the ball over with Drones under center, they should be able to keep pace with the Cardinals, who are prone to turnovers. The Cardinals are 4-3-1 against the spread this season, and each time they failed to cover was against lesser competition. That’s what we believe happens later today. Cardinals win 27-23.
