Louisville @ South Florida preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 13, 2010 ) South Florida 24, Louisville 21

THE STORY: Louisville has won four of its last five games and can earn a share of the Big East title with a victory at South Florida in its regular-season finale Friday. The Cardinals, who have already won their most league games since it earned the Big East title in 2006, are coming off an impressive 34-20 victory at Connecticut. Louisville may not have to face USF’s biggest offensive threat B.J. Daniels. The speedy quarterback, averaging almost 300 yards in total offense, injured his throwing shoulder in the 6-3 loss to Miami on Saturday and is questionable. Both defenses have been solid. Louisville allows fewer than 19 points a game, while South Florida leads the nation in tackles for losses and is second in sacks.

TV: ESPN2. LINE: South Florida –3.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (6-5, 4-2 Big East): The Cardinals are allowing just over 107 yards rushing, ranking 14th in the nation, and senior linebacker Dexter Heyman has led the way. Heyman, who averages seven tackles, had an interception, a sack and 3.5 tackles for loss against UConn. True freshman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is learning on the job with nine touchdown passes and nine interceptions. Dominique Brown, who came to Louisville as a quarterback, has converted to running back and has 413 yards – 29 behind the team leader Victor Anderson.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (5-5, 1-4 Big East): The Bulls have improved on defense in the last month, but they have to be concerned about their offense after putting up just three points Saturday. It won’t help if Daniels is out. Sophomore Bobby Eveld is being prepared to start. Eveld was 5-for-9 for 36 yards against Miami and is 17-for-32 on the season, with three interceptions. Regardless, USF will need a big effort from running back Darrell Scott. The Colorado transfer missed the Syracuse game, but had 57 yards rushing against Miami.

EXTRA POINTS
1. Louisville is 0-4 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and trails in the series against USF 5-3.
2. South Florida had six sacks against Miami, one short of the school record set earlier in the season vs. Cincinnati.
3. Louisville is 7-4 on the road in coach Charlie Strong’s two seasons at the helm.

PREDICTION: Louisville 17, South Florida 13 – Even if Daniels plays, he is likely to be less than 100 percent and the Cardinals have been solid in conference.