DirecTV Holiday Bowl – Louisville vs USC

This December 27, 2023 College Football Bowl Game DirecTV Holiday Bowl

DirecTV Holiday Bowl
Louisville vs USC
San Diego, CA
Wednesday, Dec 27, 2023 – 8:00 PM EST

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Holiday Bowl Game on Saturday in San Diego – Louisville vs. USC

In today’s world, bowl opt outs rule all and they certainly headline this matchup as Heisman winning QB and presumed #1 draft pick, Caleb Williams, sits out of this inconsequential matchup. For Louisville, two of their biggest stars on offense, Jawhar Jordan and Jamari Thrash, will sit out for the draft as well. 

Where the tides turn for both teams is on defense. Louisville has a solid defense and face off against an inexperienced QB in Miller Moss. I expect the Cardinal defense to force the Trojans to have to resort to the run game plenty, where they might have a chance at success but don’t expect a shootout here. Louisville’s offense almost always hinges on the success of Jack Plummer this season and he has had his ups and downs. Thankfully for him, the porous USC defense should open up the offense for him and his teammates. Maurice Turner is a more than capable back to carry the load on the ground and there are lingering offensive weapons at receiver despite the loss of Thrash. 

This one feels like it could be a slog with the QB play on each side being questionable. Neither team expected to be or wanted to be in this position by the end of the season. The total sits at 58 and I expect a game that plays in the 20s and neither team pulling away. No strong play on the side and total but a solid lean to U58 and a play on USC +7.5 in the absence of Caleb Williams. 

This is an article written by Pat Taylor