Music City Bowl Texas A&M vs. Louisville Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
It'll be the SEC vs. the ACC tonight at 7:00PM ET when Texas A&M takes on Louisville in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl.
After opening as a 3-point underdog, the Cardinals are now a 3.5-point favorite versus the Aggies according to oddsmakers from online sports book RealBet.eu. The total has also seen movement, going from an opening number of 50.5 down to 49 points.
The Pick
Following the departures of quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray, former junior college transfer Jake Hubenak will make the start tonight for A&M. Hubenak has a huge opportunity to prove what he can do and should be hungry to showcase his skills in Kevin Sumlin's dynamic offense. But drawing Louisville after only throwing the ball 27 times this season is a huge challenge.
The Cardinals are big and physical up front. They're also multiple with their looks and are creative on third down. They ranked 14th in the nation in yards allowed per game this year (323.4), were 14th in rushing yards allowed (118.8), and finished 39th in passing yards allowed (204.7). They run well as a unit, too.
Offensively, quarterback Lamar Jackson isn't a dynamic passer but he led the team in rushing with 734 yards and touchdowns with nine. The Aggies made major strides under new defensive coordinator John Chavis this season but had issues defending the run.
The layoff and turnovers are two things that could hold Louisville back tonight. But if Bobby Petrino's team starts fast and protects the ball, the Cardinals should cover. Bet the number down to 3 if you can.
MUSIC CITY BOWL FREE PICK: LOUISVILLE CARDINALS -3