Top 5 matchups for Week 5 of the 2024 college football season
2. No. 15 Louisville vs. No. 16 Notre Dame – Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, Peacock
Louisville and Notre Dame have played each other just four times, all since 2014, but have produced some entertaining contests recently as the two programs prepare to face off in another matchup between ranked opponents. Last season, the Cardinals beat the Fighting Irish 33-20 in Louisville to earn their second-ever victory against Notre Dame after the Irish had won back-to-back matchups in 2019 and 2020.
The Cardinals have dominated some lesser competition to get off to a 3-0 start in 2024, defeating Austin Peay, Jacksonville State and Georgia Tech by multiple scores. Transfer quarterback Tyler Shough has been terrific thus far, leading the nation鈥檚 18th-ranked passing attack alongside No. 1 target Ja鈥機orey Brooks who is coming off a 125-yard effort against the Yellow Jackets. Meanwhile, Jeff Brohm鈥檚 defense has also been stout both against the run and the pass, ranking 22nd overall in the country.
Louisville should present an interesting test on both sides of the ball for a Notre Dame squad that remains in the thick of the College Football Playoff picture despite a shocking Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois. The Fighting Irish have been dominant in wins over Purdue and Miami (OH) since, particularly defensively with a top-20 unit overall led by linebackers Drayk Bowen and Jack Kiser. While Notre Dame鈥檚 passing attack has left something to be desired, the Irish鈥檚 rushing offense led by Jeremiyah Love and quarterback Riley Leonard has carried them. Beating a tough Louisville defense with the run may be key for Notre Dame to maintain its playoff hopes.
