The ACC is wide open for the 2024 season and on Saturday when the SMU Mustangs (4-1) hit the road to take on the 22nd-ranked Louisville Cardinals (4-1). It's a huge matchup for both teams, who are both 1-0 in the conference. The winner gets a leg up in the battle for a spot in the ACC Championship.
Location : L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium (Louisville, Ky.)
Date : Saturday - Oct. 5
Time : 12:00 PM ET
Channel : ESPN
Line : Louisville -6.5; O/U 56.5
Irish Breakdown has made predictions for the important matchup.
BRYAN DRISKELL, OWNER
Prediction : Louisville 34, SMU 24
This is not just a big game for the ACC race, it's also a big game for Notre Dame. The Irish knocked off the Cardinals last weekend, but they remain ranked in the Top 25. Louisville bouncing back from their loss to Notre Dame boosts them up the rankings and also boosts Notre Dame's strength of schedule.
Looking at the matchup, this is two talented offenses that can score a lot of points, but both teams also have scrappy defenses. SMU's only defeat was a close battle with undefeated BYU, and the Cardinals competed hard against Notre Dame. The game will come down to which offense can make the most plays.
I'm going with the Cardinals for a couple of reasons. Their wide receivers are dangerous, especially with Caulin Lacy back in the lineup. SMU will be able to score, but the talented Louisville front will do enough damage to keep the points in check.
VINCE DEDARIO, FOOTBALL ANALYST
Prediction : Missouri 24, SMU 17
Another battle that has a team that the Irish fans are now cheering for. Louisville lost an emotional, hard fought game last Saturday. How will they respond? Luckily the Cards get this one at home and I think they take care of business.
SEAN STIRES, STAFF WRITER
Prediction : Louisville 35, SMU 31
SMU rides into this game flying high after beating Florida State in its first ACC game. Louisville will have a bigger chip on its shoulder after losing to Notre Dame.
TREVOR TROWBRIDGE, STAFF WRITER
Prediction : Louisville 24, SMU 21
The Cardinals will be looking for a bounce back week from their loss to Notre Dame. Louisville's skilled players will be too much for SMU to handle.
ANDREW MCDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR
Prediction : Louisville 41, SMU 23
An angry Louisville team likely feels they let one slip away in South Bend, and you'll see them play inspired football at home against an intriguing SMU team. The only time the Mustangs have left Dallas this year they scored just 15 points in a loss to BYU, and this team's solid defense stats are propped up by stout performances against Houston Baptist, Nevada, and Florida State.
In the only game the Mustangs played this year against an offense that ranks in the top-70 (TCU), they surrendered 42 points and 480 yards of offense. The Cardinals are better than the Horned Frogs on both sides of the ball, and I think they use a fast start to pull away from the visitors.
JOE EVERETT, STAFF WRITER
Prediction : Louisville 38, SMU 27
I think Louisville is a talented team, and I think they play angry after a loss to Notre Dame last week. While the Mustangs throttled Florida State last week, that doesn't mean as much as it used to. Expect a high-scoring affair, with the Cardinals getting back in the win column.
NICK KREMER, RECRUITING ANALYST
Prediction : Louisville 35, SMU 21
Louisville was impressive in their loss against Notre Dame, so look for a bounce back game for the Cardinals. Louisville gets the win at home.
SEASON STANDINGS
Bryan - 15-4
Vince - 15-4
Sean - 15-4
Trevor - 14-5
Nick - 14-5
Andrew - 14-5
Joe - 13-2
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2025 Commit Rankings - Defense
2024 Recruiting Class Grades - Offense
2024 Recruiting Class Grades - Defense
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