Louisville Cardinals vs Washington Huskies Key Players, Potential Pitfalls

Louisville Cardinals vs. Washington Huskies: Sun Bowl 2024 Preview & Betting Prediction

The 2024 Sun Bowl promises to be an exciting clash between two teams looking to end their seasons on a high note. The Louisville Cardinals (8-4) will face the Washington Huskies (6-6) on Tuesday afternoon, with kickoff scheduled for 2:00 PM ET. Louisville enters the game on a strong finish, while Washington has had its share of ups and downs throughout the season. With both teams eager for a bowl victory, let’s dive into the key storylines, standout players, and betting trends to look out for in this matchup.

Louisville Cardinals: Key Players and Potential Pitfalls

Louisville’s season had its share of highs and lows, but they ended on a high note, securing two solid road victories to close out the regular season. With an 8-4 record, the Cardinals placed 5th in the ACC but missed out on a major bowl game. However, a strong finish, including a 41-14 domination over Kentucky as five-point underdogs, has made them an intriguing team heading into the Sun Bowl.

One of Louisville’s biggest challenges heading into this matchup is the absence of their starting quarterback, Tyler Shough, who has declared for the NFL Draft. Shough was a pivotal part of Louisville’s offense, accumulating 3,195 passing yards and a 23:6 TD-to-INT ratio. In his absence, Harrison Bailey, who has only attempted eight passes this season, will be tasked with leading the offense. Bailey, a senior, will need to step up in a big way if Louisville hopes to compete in this bowl game.

With Shough sidelined, Louisville’s running game will need to carry the load. Freshman Isaac Brown, who has accumulated 1,074 rushing yards, has been a bright spot this season. Brown’s ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact will be essential for the Cardinals’ success, especially against Washington’s inconsistent run defense. In addition, Duke Watson has provided a reliable backup, tallying 514 rushing yards on the season.

In the passing game, Ja’Corey Brooks—who leads Louisville with 1,013 receiving yards—has also declared for the draft, further limiting the Cardinals’ options in the air. Still, Louisville’s offense, which has averaged 36.6 points per game (ranking 9th in the nation), will rely on a balanced attack and its ability to make explosive plays. The Cardinals have scored at least 30 points in all but three games this season.

Defensively, Louisville has been decent but inconsistent. They gave up 42 points to Miami in a loss but also managed to shut down strong offenses like Clemson (21 points) and Pittsburgh (9 points). The Cardinals rank 42nd in rush defense but are 75th against the pass, which could be an area where Washington could exploit. If Louisville can tighten up their pass defense, they could limit Washington’s ability to score.

Washington Huskies: Turning the Tide with Fresh Faces

The Washington Huskies entered the season with high hopes but faced challenges throughout their first year in the Big Ten. The team finished with a 6-6 record, just scraping by to earn a bowl berth. After a promising start, the Huskies faltered, losing five of their final eight games, including a 49-21 road defeat to Oregon as 16-point underdogs. However, there is hope, especially with a change at quarterback.

Will Rogers, the Huskies’ senior quarterback, has had an inconsistent season, passing for 2,458 yards and posting a 14:7 TD-to-INT ratio. After a string of poor performances, including a 115-yard game against UCLA, Rogers was benched in favor of Demond Williams, a freshman. Williams looked solid in his debut, completing 85% of his passes for 201 yards against Oregon. He has thrown for 570 yards and posted an impressive 4:0 TD-to-INT ratio on the season. Williams’ performance in the bowl game will be a key factor in Washington’s chances of winning.

Offensively, Jonah Coleman, the Huskies’ junior running back, has been their standout player, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. Coleman has surpassed 100 yards rushing in five games this season, making him a reliable option for Washington as they look to control the game on the ground.

In the passing game, Denzel Boston has been the top receiving target, accumulating 807 yards and 4 touchdowns. However, his production has dipped in recent weeks, with fewer than 50 receiving yards in four of the last five games. Giles Jackson and Jeremiah Hunter have also contributed, but Washington’s passing attack has struggled, ranking 110th in scoring offense, averaging only 22.5 points per game.

Washington’s defense has been a strength, particularly against the pass. The Huskies rank 5th in the nation in pass defense, allowing just 184.5 passing yards per game. However, their run defense has been more vulnerable, ranking 75th, which could be an area where Louisville’s rushing attack could exploit. If Washington can shut down the run and force Bailey to beat them through the air, they will have a solid chance to secure a win.

Conclusion

Given the change at quarterback for both teams and the uncertainty around key players, this game is expected to be tightly contested. Louisville has more explosive offensive weapons, especially in their rushing game, but the loss of Shough and Brooks makes them vulnerable. On the other hand, Washington’s defense will likely be able to contain the Louisville passing attack, but their own offense has struggled to score points consistently.

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