Fansided

Citrus Bowl, LSU vs Louisville: Preview and predictions

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) fakes a hand off to running back Brandon Radcliff (23) during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Papa John
Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) fakes a hand off to running back Brandon Radcliff (23) during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Papa John /
facebooktwitterreddit

Take a look at the preview and score prediction from Saturday afternoon’s Citrus Bowl between LSU and Louisville.

The Louisville Cardinals were contending for a national title not too long ago, but losses to Houston and Kentucky to close out the year ended those hopes. However, the Cardinals did have the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner in Lamar Jackson. This team is exciting, but the Cardinals are reeling.

On the other hand, LSU began the season with a loss to Wisconsin and then won the next two. A matchup against Auburn in the fourth week of the season looked to finish with a huge last-second touchdown for the Tigers, but it was overturned it cost Les Miles his job. LSU fell to 2-2 and the Miles era was over.

Each of these teams has been looking for its identity in the final stages of the season, but the Cardinals head into the postseason on a losing streak and LSU won two of three. Who will come out on top in this one?

Here’s how to watch Saturday’s Citrus Bowl online:

Next: CFB Bowls 2016: 10 best quarterbacks

Date: Saturday, Dec. 31
Start Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
Location: Orlando, FL
Venue: Camping World Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: ABC Go

Keys to Victory

Lamar Jackson needs to get back to what made him successful. He can’t be afraid to put the team on his back and he needs to have one of his best games of the year in order to exploit a tough defense. For Louisville to win, he needs to have 300-400 total yards and three scores.

Derrius Guice needs to have a huge game against Louisville. The Tigers’ backup running back has seen the field extensively this season so he’s no stranger to getting a majority of carries, but in Leonard Fournette’s absence, he needs to be the go-to guy.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: LSU -3.5
Over/Under: 59.5

Prediction

Without Leonard Fournette, you’d think LSU would be in trouble, but Derrius Guice is more than capable of having a big game — and he will. Louisville’s offense will struggle early on, but Lamar Jackson will catch fire late, but not in time to come back.

Final Score: LSU 27, Louisville 24

Home/College Football