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Wake Forest vs. Louisville Preview: Cardinals Look to Keep Rolling After Huge SMU Win
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- Wake Forest vs. Louisville Preview: Cardinals Look to Keep Rolling After Huge SMU Win
Photo by: Chris Carter
Louisville Enters With Momentum
No. 16 Louisville returns to action Saturday looking to build on one of the biggest wins of its season when the Cardinals host Wake Forest in an ACC showdown.
Louisville is 2-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play after defeating No. 16 SMU 41-31 last Saturday. The Cardinals have already faced two ranked opponents this season, opening with a narrow 41-38 loss to Ole Miss before responding with the win over SMU.
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Now Louisville has a chance to keep that momentum going against a Wake Forest team that is also 2-1.
Keyjuan Brown Leading the Ground Game
One of Louisville's biggest weapons has been its rushing attack.
Keyjuan Brown exploded against SMU, rushing for 165 yards and two touchdowns, with both scores coming on runs of more than 50 yards. Isaac Brown also contributed 67 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Through three games, Louisville is averaging 229 rushing yards per game, giving the Cardinals one of the more dangerous ground attacks in the ACC.
Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has also provided another dimension. He has thrown for 816 yards and six touchdowns without an interception while adding four rushing touchdowns.
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That balance has helped Louisville average 515.3 total yards and 46 points per game.
Wake Forest Has Its Own Offensive Firepower
Wake Forest cannot be overlooked.
The Demon Deacons are coming off a 33-20 loss to No. 5 Miami, but they made things interesting after falling behind 31-7. Quarterback Gio Lopez finished with 312 passing yards and three touchdowns in the comeback attempt.
Lopez has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the ACC through three games, throwing for 887 yards and seven touchdowns with only one interception.
Carlos Hernandez has also emerged as a major weapon, leading Wake Forest with 322 receiving yards.
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Louisville's Defense Will Be Tested
The biggest question for Louisville may be whether its defense can slow down Lopez and the Wake Forest passing game.
The Cardinals have already shown they can make game-changing plays. Against SMU, cornerback Kaleb Beasley recorded two interceptions, including a game-sealing takeaway in the final two minutes.
Wake Forest, meanwhile, will need to find a way to contain Louisville's rushing attack. The Demon Deacons allowed Miami to build a huge early lead last week, and Louisville has plenty of explosive playmakers capable of taking advantage of defensive mistakes.
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Another Important ACC Test
This game could be another important measuring stick for both teams.
Louisville has already proven it can compete in high-level games, and a victory would give the Cardinals a 2-0 start in ACC play. Wake Forest, meanwhile, has an opportunity to bounce back immediately from the Miami loss and pick up a major road victory.
The Cardinals have won seven of the 10 meetings between the programs, including the most recent matchup in 2022. Wake Forest's last victory at Louisville came in 2018, when the Demon Deacons won 56-35.
With Louisville's explosive rushing attack going against a Wake Forest offense led by Lopez, this ACC matchup could come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes.
Louisville will look to protect home field and continue its climb up the ACC standings, while Wake Forest will try to pull off another road upset.
