Week 11: Football Pick ‘Em with Coach Larkin

The Louisville Cardinals have never beaten the Clemson Tigers in their seven all-time meetings. Last year, I was in attendance when the Cards blew a lead to the Tigers at home. When Lamar was in his Heisman run a few years ago, the Cards blew a lead in a then top five matchup. Louisville is due for a win versus the Tigers.

After starting the year 2-3, Louisville is coming off four straight solid wins, one being a top ten victory against Wake Forest. Malik Cunningham and Tyler Hudson have been playing very well especially paired with the strong rushing attack. However, the main reason the Cards have really turned the ship around is because of their stellar defensive play. The Cardinal defense has allowed an average of 14.5 points in those last four wins. Xavier News’ well-respected Louisville sports analyst, John Carlon, said, “The key to Louisville winning is going to be overcoming the atmosphere of Death Valley by starting out strong from the beginning.”

On the other end of the field, Clemson is coming off a blowout loss to Notre Dame. The Tigers got manhandled at the line of scrimmage and allowed 263 yards on the ground, which is a great sign for Cardinal fans. The Tigers have also been dealing with some inconsistency at the quarterback position. If the Louisville defense is firing on all cylinders, I could see the Cardinals getting their first ever win against the Clemson Tigers, and they would simultaneously be snapping the longest home win streak in college football (38).

Picks

Who’s going to win outright/score?

Coach Larkin: Clemson Tigers (28-17)

Adam Campisano: Louisville Cardinals (31-28)

Ben Purnell: Clemson Tigers (34-21)

Luke Daley: Clemson Tigers (38-27)

Who covers the spread? (Clemson -7.5)

Coach Larkin: Clemson

Adam Campisano: Louisville

Ben Purnell: Clemson

Luke Daley: Clemson

Which team will have more rushing yards?

Coach Larkin: Clemson

Adam Campisano: Louisville

Ben Purnell: Clemson

Luke Daley: Clemson

What player scores the first touchdown?

Coach Larkin: Malik Cunningham (UL)

Adam Campisano: Tiyon Evans (UL)

Ben Purnell: Malik Cunningham (UL)

Luke Daley: Malik Cunningham (UL)

Over or Under 51.5 total points?

Coach Larkin: Under

Adam Campisano: Over

Ben Purnell: Over

Luke Daley: Over

What team will force more turnovers?

Coach Larkin: Clemson

Adam Campisano: Louisville

Ben Purnell: Clemson

Luke Daley: Clemson

Rankings
1. Coach Larkin 31-27
2. Ben Purnell 28-30
3. Adam Campisano 23-35
4. Luke Daley 18-40