As the college football season heads into November, all eyes are on the ACC matchup between No. 13 Louisville Cardinals and Virginia Tech Hokies. Both teams, with only one loss in the conference, are gearing up for an intense battle that could determine who faces Florida State in the ACC Championship Game.

Louisville (7-1, 4-1) has had a standout season with some notable victories, including a dominant 33-20 win over No. 10 Notre Dame. Led by head coach Jeff Brohm, the Cardinals showcased their strength at the line of scrimmage, outgaining the Irish by a staggering 185 to 44 rushing yards. However, a surprising loss to Pitt shook their playoff aspirations, reminding them of the importance of consistency.

Virginia Tech (4-4, 3-1), despite their overall record, has shown improvement in recent weeks and poses a challenge to Louisville. The Hokies' defense has struggled against teams with strong running games, as demonstrated by their previous struggles against opponents like ODU, Purdue, and FSU. Against these teams, Virginia Tech allowed an average of 256 rushing yards per game. Their ability to contain Louisville's rushing attack, led by standout running back Jawhar Jordan, will be crucial in their quest for victory.

Jordan has been a force for the Cardinals this season, averaging over 100 yards per game and an impressive 7.5 yards per carry. His contributions have been vital to Louisville's success, and his absence in the loss to Pitt was notably detrimental. The Hokies' run defense, which has shown improvement in recent weeks, faces a pivotal challenge in containing Jordan's explosive running style.

On the offensive side, Louisville quarterback Jack Plummer brings experience and efficiency to the Cardinals' passing game. With 63.8% completions and an average of 9.0 yards per attempt, Plummer has provided stability and effectiveness. The Hokies' defense, led by standout cornerbacks Jarvis Brownlee and Quincy Riley, will need to step up to limit Plummer's passing options and force him into difficult decisions.

Defensively, Louisville boasts an impressive unit that ranks highly in several key categories. With strong performances against Notre Dame and other opponents, the Cardinals' defense showcases their ability to stifle opponents' rushing attacks. Linebacker TJ Quinn leads the team in tackles, while defensive ends Ashton Gillotte and Stephen Herron pose a significant threat with their pass-rushing capabilities.

Special teams could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game. Louisville's kicker, Brock Travelstead, has been reliable in both field goals and kickoffs, while their coverage game has been solid, limiting opponents' return opportunities.

As both teams prepare for the showdown, the stakes are high. Louisville's near-perfect season and balanced attack make them a formidable opponent, while Virginia Tech's recent improvements and determination give them a chance to pull off an upset. The outcome of this game will undoubtedly shape the ACC landscape and could ultimately impact the road to the ACC Championship Game.

The highly anticipated matchup between Louisville and Virginia Tech is set to kick off this weekend, promising an exciting clash between two talented teams vying for ACC supremacy.