NFL Tickets
TV Schedule: Saturday, Nov. 21, 12:00 p.m. ET, WatchESPN
Location: KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Ky.
The Louisville Cardinals entered the 2015-16 season with an air of controversy, knowing that anything they achieve this season has the slight possibility of being for nothing due to an impending investigation into allegations of using escorts as a tool for recruiting.
Two games and two easy wins into their schedule, however, the scandal will be far from any of the players’ minds, as they believe they can make it to the 2016 NCAA tournament, despite many hailing this season as a transition one for Rick Pitino and Co. Damion Lee has been electric for this team, averaging 16 PPG, but the Cardinals will live and die all season long by the play of Chinanu Onuaku, who is averaging 14 PPG and seven RPG.
Next up for the Cardinals is a tricky matchup with one of the best and most well-coached mid-majors in the country, the North Florida Ospreys.
North Florida is the heavy favorite to win the Atlantic Sun Conference and earn an automatic qualifying berth to the 2016 NCAA tournament – and for good reason. The Ospreys have easily won their first three games this season, including a 12-point win over the Illinois Fighting Illini on the road. Five players on this team are averaging at least 13 PPG, including 24.3 PPG by Dallas Moore. The Ospreys may play in a conference perceived as weak, but this is no pushover team.
The Cardinals have looked good to begin the season, but two consecutive blowouts will have Louisville sleepwalking in this one. Louisville is miles better than Illinois, and I expect them to make the 2016 NCAA tournament. I’m calling the upset in this one, however, as North Florida gets another big win on the road – and possibly sneaks into the top 25.
Prediction: North Florida 76, Louisville 72
Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
Share 
