Wake Forest has 17 tackles for loss, while Louisville has allowed eight in each game against FBS teams, making the Cardinals’ run blocking a concern. Wake opponents have completed 86% of passes, potentially opening up the intermediate passing game for Louisville.
Wake’s defense aims to keep plays in front and has allowed no explosive passes and only one explosive run this season. The preview says that approach has left room for short and intermediate throws; Louisville’s explosive-play rate is 19%.
Wake has struggled to run and enters the game with a quarterback who is not fully healthy and a starting running back who may have suffered a concussion in the previous game, leaving its backfield options uncertain. Penalties are another concern: Wake had 122 penalty yards last weekend and double-digit penalties in two games; Louisville has also taken numerous personal fouls and other 15-yard penalties.
