To overpower the national championship winners in the Sun Bowl, Louisville will have to enlist the help of less proven players at key positions after significant departures from the team.
Our Louisville vs. Washington prediction, part of our bowl game predictions this week, questions whether the Cardinals can overcome the absence of QB Tyler Shaw and WR Ja'Corey Brooks.
Louisville, a 1.5-point favorite, and Washington will meet Tuesday in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas at 2 p.m. ET (CBS).
Our college bowl waiver wire tracker will bring you the latest waiver wire news and how it will affect college bowl game odds.
Louisville - Washington: prediction and best predictions: Sun Bowl
Soccer predictions are based on odds from our top soccer betting sites. Odds are subject to change.
Against the Spread: Washington +1.5 (-110 via BetMGM) vs Louisville ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My top pick: Demond Williams Jr. Over 195.5 passing yards (-117 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Louisville vs. Washington matchup prediction with odds included
Washington will win spread: +1.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best Odds: +115 via BetMGM | Estimated Odds: 46.51%
The line has changed significantly from Louisville's initial -5 mark, and for good reason as the game approaches.
Giving up the running game weakens the Cardinals' main strength
The Cardinals have relied on an elite passing game throughout the season, but on paper Louisville doesn't look good against a Washington defense without a quarterback and a top receiver.
Washington's defense ranks seventh in the nation, as the Huskies are allowing just 173.0 yards per game through the air. Against the run, the Huskies play mediocre, but running the ball is not as important to Louisville.
Conversely, Louisville is allowing 238.5 yards per game (94th in FBS), which is an advantage for a Washington offense that attacks through the air much more effectively than on the ground.
A winning bet of $10 will yield a profit of $11.50.
Louisville vs. Washington is the top pick
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Demond Williams Jr. Over 195.5 passing yards ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best odds: -117 via Caesars | Estimated odds: 53.92%
After Will Rogers was sent to the bench, Demond Williams Jr. will be the Huskies' quarterback for this game. While he has rarely been the primary quarterback this season, the rookie should have a chance to utilize an attainable pass line against a middle line that has repeatedly given away big plays to opponents.
A soft pass line against a susceptible secondary
While strong defenses Oregon and Iowa were the only opponents Williams got much playing time against during the season, Louisville's 94th ranked defense should present a much softer matchup.
Williams has overcome this defense once in two games with more than 15 attempts, gaining 201 yards in the game against Oregon. Louisville has allowed five opponents to surpass the 275-yard mark, so the ceiling of the game is quite possible.
Either way, just 200 yards will cash this bet at Caesars.
Follow the latest odds! Odds are updated in real time.
Odds for the Louisville vs Washington kickoff:
Louisville: -5 (-110)
Washington: +5 (-110)
Sun Bowl game information
When: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
Where: Sun Bowl (El Paso, Texas)
How to watch: CBS
Weather: 62 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, 9 mph SW winds
Favorite: Louisville -1 (-110 via DraftKings)
