The Syracuse Orange play host to the Louisville Cardinals on Saturday night from the Carrier Dome in not only the 2022 season opener for both but the ACC opener as well. Both teams have had a few up-and-down seasons of late, with their eyes set on this season as the opportunity to potentially turn things around. Just last season though, Louisville came away with a 41-3 drubbing of the Orange, while also having won three in a row overall in the series and eight of the last ten. It could take quite a bit to turn things around in this one but with Syracuse at home, it could prove to be important.
Even though the Cardinals are coming off of a 6-7 record last season, hopes remain high for this group given the talent that is returning. The Cardinals did lose their last two last season, and four of six overall, though their recent success against Syracuse should help. Taking them down by 38 points last season won't be forgotten by either side, while the overall series dominance by the Cardinals will help this group given that they'll be on the road in this one. The Cardinals lost a handful of games by one score or less last season and with the experience returning, this could be a group that could turn some heads as the season progresses.
Louisville hits the road on Saturday with a healthy roster as well. Only backup quarterback Evan Conley is questionable, whose potential absence shouldn't impact this group one way or the other, though their depth could be a major story.
Your 2022 Captains
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— Louisville Football (@LouisvilleFB) August 29, 2022
After putting up 41 points when these two teams met last season, there's little doubt that Lousiville doesn't have the offense to be dangerous in the rematch. It'll start with Malik Cunningham at quarterback and his ability to do it with his legs and his arm, to the tune of over 3500 total yards last season, will be too much for Syracuse to slow down. It won't be forgotten that the Cardinals bring in a pair of talented Power 5 transfers, one at wide receiver and one at running back, who will only help to ensure Louisville controls the game on the offensive end in this one.
The Cardinals did finish in the bottom half of the ACC in most defensive categories last season but against a Syracuse team that is expected to struggle, those defensive woes shouldn't be an issue in the opener. It'll start with the pass rush for this group and their ability to pressure Syracuse in the backfield could be enough to make things i nteresting in this one. There are quite a few new faces but after dominating the Orange last fall, momentum and confidence will be on the defense's side to make that happen again in the rematch.