Boston College vs. Louisville: Three of Four ESPN Experts Like The Cardinals

This week's ESPN ACC Blog predictions are in, and things aren't looking so hot for the dudes. Three of ESPN's four ACC experts like the Cardinals to pull off the road victory on Saturday. I see you, David Hale.

Adelson: Tyler Murphy might present some matchup problems, but the Louisville offense will be even more difficult to contain for the BC defense. Teams have been unable to slow down DeVante Parker and Michael Dyer, who have accounted for 77 percent of the Cardinals' offense over the past two games. Their return from injury means Louisville has been able to get more explosive plays and work the play-action more than it has all season. While BC has had some good wins, it also has run out of gas in the fourth quarter in a few of its games, failing to close out Colorado State and Clemson, then hanging on to beat Wake Forest and Virginia Tech late. This will be yet another close game, but Louisville will win behind Parker and Dyer in the end. Louisville 30, BC 21.

Hale: Louisville's defense is good despite last week's troubles against Florida State, but this is far from an ideal matchup. The strength of the Cardinals' defense has been the pass rush, but Tyler Murphy's mobility negates much of that aggressiveness. Murphy has had a run of at least 30 yards in seven of BC's nine games, and if Louisville goes after him routinely, he's bound to break off a few more big plays. Louisville simply hasn't seen a quarterback this season who brings the same type of weapons as Murphy does. The other problem the Cardinals now face is one of emotion. Did blowing a 21-0 lead against the defending champs crush their spirits? Bobby Petrino says this will be a gut-check game for his team, and Boston College is the type of team that always plays on guts. BC 24, Louisville 21.

On the year, Hale and Shanker are 7-2 on the year picking BC games. Fortuna is 6-3 and Adelson is 5-4.

#TeamHale