Louisville vs. Missouri State Preview

The Louisville Cardinals began the season with a big win against their in-state rivals Kentucky last Sunday. Louisville is hoping to keep their confidence growing as they take on Missouri State Saturday at 3:30pm.

The weather for the game is expected to be in the low 70's with a slight chance of rain.

The Missouri State Bears began their season with a rough start by losing to Kansas State last Saturday 51-9. Missouri State was tied 9-9 until mid-way through the third quarter. Kansas State then went on a 42-0 run to seal the victory.

"They do a good job of throwing the ball around," Strong said in his press conference Monday (via UofLSports.Com). “They return all starters on defense. Eleven starters coming back on defense. So, it will be a great challenge.”

Players to Watch on Missouri State:

Missouri State's biggest weapon is junior wide receiver Dorian Buford. Buford is very fast and had a very good offseason for the Bears. Last Saturday, he had seven catches for 114 yards. 

Louisville struggled with another talented wide receiver last year when they played Florida International. FIU's T.Y. Hilton, who is now with the Indianapolis Colts, led his team to an unexpected victory over the Cardinals at Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium. Hilton had 201 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions that game.

Louisville's defense allowed Kentucky's Maxwell Smith to have a very good day passing on Sunday. The Cardinal secondary must not get out of position and allow Missouri State to break for big plays.

Nate Davis will be the player to watch on Missouri State's defense. The senior outside linebacker had 12 tackles against Kansas State, including one sack. With the talent that Louisville has on their offensive line, they should have no trouble keeping up with Davis.

Players Watch on Louisville:

Louisville had two running backs that rushed for over 100-yards against Kentucky with Jeremy Wright and Senorise Perry. UofL's other talented running back Dominique Brown is expected to play Saturday against the Bears after missing the opening game with a leg injury.

Louisville should have the ability to run all day against Missouri State if they choose to. The Cardinal o-line has an average weight of 312 lbs, they will be up against a Bears defensive line that weighs an average of 261 lbs.

In Saturday's game, Missouri State gave up 324 yards on the ground against Kansas State.

Game Prediction:

The Louisville Cardinals will need to be careful to not come into the game with too much confidence. (sentence is redundant) They are playing against a Missouri State team who played very well against a very talented Kansas State team.

I expect Louisville's offensive line to provide plenty of big holes for their backs to run through. Teddy Bridgewater will finish what he started against Kentucky making smart passes to several different receivers. If Louisville comes out focused, this could be a long day for the Missouri State Bears.

I predict Louisville to win 41-10.

Where: Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, KY

When: September 8, 2012–3:30pm ET

Watch: WHAS (In Louisville, KY.)

Listen: WHAS 840 AM (In Louisville, KY.)