| Louisville Cardinals (8-4) at Toledo Rockets (8-4) | |||
| Game Details: Tuesday, December 23, Noon EST | |||
| Location: Flagler Credit Union Stadium,Boca Raton, FL | |||
| Where to Watch: ESPN |
Matchup
This is shaping up to be a fascinating postseason matchup between the Louisville Cardinals and the Toledo Rockets. Both programs arrive in Florida sporting identical 8-4 records, but they took very different paths to get here.
For the players, specifically the graduating seniors, this contest represents one final opportunity to leave a legacy and secure a ninth win for their program. The stakes are high, not just for the trophy, but for the momentum heading into the offseason.
Coming off a massive 41-0 shutout against arch-rival Kentucky, the Cardinals have significant energy on their side, while the Rockets are fresh off a decisive 21-3 win over Central Michigan.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville Cardinals | -8.5 | -333 | Over 43.5 |
| Toledo Rockets | +8.5 | +266 | Under 43.5 |
**Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports **
Tale of The Tape
| Louisville Cardinals | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Toledo Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| 30.2 | Points Per Game | 31.6 |
| 226.3 | Passing Yards Per Game | 244.0 |
| 162.6 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 178.4 |
| 21.1 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 12.2 |
| 190.6 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 156.5 |
| 109.8 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 92.2 |
Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports
Key Details
Louisville Cardinals
The Cardinals are flying high after a statement victory to end the regular season. Quarterback Miller Moss has been the steady hand guiding this offense, throwing for over 2,500 yards and 14 touchdowns this year. In the season finale against Kentucky, Moss was efficient and lethal, accounting for three scores through the air and another on the ground.
He has tremendous help in the backfield from Isaac Brown, who has churned out nearly 800 rushing yards, and on the perimeter from Chris Bell, who is closing in on a 1,000-yard receiving season. This offense knows how to capitalize when it matters, ranking 13th nationally in red zone conversion percentage.
Defensively, Louisville has shown they can lock opponents down, ranking 16th nationally in total defense. They allow just over 21 points per game and are particularly stingy against the run, giving up only 109.8 yards on average.
Toledo Rockets
While Louisville brings the name recognition of a Power conference, the Toledo Rockets bring statistically dominant performance. The story of their season has been an absolutely suffocating defense. They rank fourth in the country in scoring defense, allowing a meager 12.2 points per game, and they are third in total defense. It is incredibly difficult to move the ball against this unit, which gives up less than 4 yards per play.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Rockets actually outpace the Cardinals in total yardage. Quarterback Tucker Gleason has tossed 21 touchdowns to go with his 2,515 passing yards, often looking for Junior Vandeross III, who has found the end zone 11 times this season. On the ground, DeaMonte Trayanum is a force, rushing for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Prediction
This feels like two of the CFP first round games. It does not seem like Toledo is in the same league. Louisville plays a much tougher schedule, and is more talented. They will win big.
