The Louisville Cardinals are making significant strides in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll after a dominant victory over Duke, positioning themselves for a shot at the prestigious Orange Bowl. Following their recent shutout win in a top-20 matchup against Duke, the Louisville football program (7-1, 4-1 ACC) has seen its stock rise. In Week 10 of the poll, the Cardinals garnered an impressive 666 votes, climbing from their previous No. 18 ranking to a noteworthy No. 15. In their first game after a bye week, the Cardinals displayed their prowess, utilizing an efficient ground game and a stifling defense to dismantle No. 20 Duke.
Photo Cred: Courier Journal
Jawhar Jordan led the charge on the ground, accumulating 163 rushing yards as part of a team total of 234 yards. The Louisville defense was equally impressive, holding the Blue Devils to 202 yards of total offense, who only gained a mere 51 yards on the ground. The Orange Bowl projections have remained unchanged, with the matchup of Louisville vs. Ohio State solidified. This scenario places Louisville in prime position for the Orange Bowl as the top-ranked ACC team not participating in the playoffs.
Photo Cred: Courier Journal
Their impressive 23-0 shutout victory against Duke over the weekend reinforces their claim for this prestigious postseason appearance. On the other side of the equation, Ohio State is expected to receive a New Year’s Six bid as a non-playoff Big Ten team. The stage is set for an exciting clash between two powerhouse football programs, and fans can look forward to an epic showdown on December 30 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and the ESPN App, ensuring that football enthusiasts across the nation can witness this thrilling matchup.
