The result was a significant blow to Louisville’s momentum, as evident by their tumble in both betting markets and national rankings.
The loss against Notre Dame was marked by a series of costly mistakes and missed opportunities. Devyn Ford fumbled the opening kickoff, setting up Notre Dame for an early score. Quarterback Tyler Shough showed moments of brilliance but was plagued by inconsistency, including a fumble and an interception.
Despite the ups and downs, Louisville fought back multiple times, keeping the game within reach. A key turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Louisville failed to convert a fourth down after a false start penalty, sealing the game in favor of the Irish.
Impact on AP Top 25 Poll and Betting Odds
The impact of the loss was felt immediately in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll released the following day, September 29th. Louisville, previously ranked No. 15, dropped seven spots to No. 22. Their performance against Notre Dame revealed both promise and vulnerability, which the AP voters took into account.
The Cardinals struggled offensively at times, with three turnovers, four failed fourth-down conversions, and six penalties, all contributing to the disappointing outcome.
The ripple effect of this loss is also reflected in Louisville’s betting odds for the 2024-25 college football season. As of August 2nd, Louisville’s odds to win the national championship stood at +15000, meaning a $10 bet could potentially win $1,500.
However, following their defeat to Notre Dame and subsequent drop in the rankings, their odds have taken a significant hit, now sitting at +25000 according to the latest DraftKings KY update.
Louisville’s Path to Recovery
Additionally, Louisville’s hopes of claiming the ACC Championship have been somewhat dampened. Previously, they were listed at +800 to win the conference, but the struggles against Notre Dame exposed vulnerabilities that might make it more challenging for them to contend against stronger ACC foes.
The Cardinals’ season win total over/under, set at 8 games in August, also looks more uncertain now. Their path ahead includes a crucial matchup against conference newcomer SMU on October 5th, which could be pivotal in determining whether Louisville can recover from this setback and stay in the hunt for the ACC title.
Despite the loss, there are still positives that Louisville can take away. The resilience shown by Shough and the offensive unit, as well as the fight they displayed against a top opponent like Notre Dame, indicate that the Cardinals have the capability to bounce back. With a conference matchup against SMU coming up, Louisville has an opportunity to regroup and regain some of the momentum lost in South Bend.
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