There's always a degree of unknown when it comes to a season-opening opponent.
But Austin Peay takes it to another level with a coaching change and almost entirely new personnel. Louisville football will have to depend on its veterans' experience and base schemes while making in-game adjustments when the Governors come to town Saturday for the 2024 season opener.
Because the Cardinals don't have any Austin Peay film from last year that is relevant, they've taken film from the Governors' new coaching staff's prior stop to pick up on schemes, habits and style of play.
"Sometimes when you're going against some things you don't see, you may have to be a little more simple and under control at the beginning before you start to crank it up," U of L coach Jeff Brohm said. "At the same time, we want to be aggressive. That's been our style. We want to be calculated with it but also not give up plays, big plays when that happens. So, I do think we have a good plan for that."
While not on the same level, Louisville's offense also offers some mystery with the departure of seven full-time starters, including at quarterback. Expectations are high for Texas Tech transfer Tyler Shough , who is in his seventh and final season of college football. His injury-riddled past brings some concern about how the Cardinals will use him, but it ultimately boils down to playing smart, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brian Brohm said.
"As you grow as a quarterback, you can kind of have a spatial awareness to you of, I have bodies around me. This is the time I need to go for it. This is the time I need to get the ball out," Brian Brohm said. "... With (Shough's) experience, I think that he has a pretty good feel for that, but we'll continue to talk about situations: when's the time to be aggressive, when not. And then, as coaches, trying to structure that game plan to where you're not putting him in unnecessary, risky situations."
- Saturday will be the first time Louisville and Austin Peay play in football. U of L has a 36-7 record over FCS opponents.
- Louisville has won 24 consecutive games against FCS opponents, with its last loss coming against Marshall, 34-31, in 1987.
- Austin Peay returns only two starters from last season: defensive lineman Hosea Knifeley Jr., a Butler High School graduate, and offensive lineman Chandler Kirton.
- Louisville opens the season without projected starting wide receiver Caullin Lacy, who broke his collarbone during the second scrimmage of fall camp. But the Cardinals have two slot options in Jadon Thompson and Ahmari Huggins-Bruce, who had a brief stint at South Carolina but returned to Louisville for his first practice Tuesday. Huggins-Bruce likely will be a game-time decision, Jeff Brohm said on his radio show Wednesday night.
Louisville 42, Austin Peay 10: Austin Peay comes to Louisville with an entirely new team, coaching staff included. The Cardinals, however, have experience, talent and home-field advantage on their side.
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Louisville is a 36 ½-point favorite over Austin Peay, according to DraftKings .
BEST BETS: Top Kentucky sportsbooks and sports betting apps reviewed
Who: Louisville (0-0) vs. Austin Peay (0-0)
When: Noon Saturday, Aug. 31
Where: L&N Stadium
TV: Jorge Sedano (play-by-play) and Orlando Franklin (analyst) will have the call on the ACC Network.
Radio: The game will be broadcast on Louisville Radio Network (93.9 FM and 970 AM), with Paul Rogers (play-by-play) and Craig Swabek (analyst) on the call.
Streaming: Qualified subscribers can watch the game at espn.com/watch .
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville vs Austin Peay prediction, odds and notes ahead of college football Week 1 game
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