FOX Sports Pete Fiutak breaks down tonight’s Orange Bowl. Fiutak’s “fearless” prediction: Louisville 27, Wake Forest 17. The N&R’s Rob Daniels follows suit, predicting a 27-20 Cards victory.

I don’t see such average wins for Louisville. It’s either going to be a Louisville blowout or a tightly-contested Wake victory. The tell-tale signs are the national rankings: Louisville is way ahead– and I mean way ahead– of Wake in offensive categories. Louisville ranks second in total offense with 476 yards per game, while the Deacons rank 98th with 301 yards per game. Same thing with scoring offense — the Cards rank third with 38.9 points per game, while the Deacs rank 74th with 22.2 ppg.

But the teams are more closely matched on defense. The run defense is dead even– Louisville ranks 21st at 104.2 yards per game, while Wake ranks 22nd with 104.3 ypg, while the Deacons are ahead in pass defense — 207 to 211 ypg.

Here’s the scenario I see for a Wake victory: Louisville scores a couple of quick, early touchdowns before the Wake defense digs in. The Deacs simultaneously keep the Cardinals’ offense off the field and wear down the defense with misdirection plays, scratching out a touchdown and four Sam Swank field goals. The defense holds against Louisville’s final rally for a 19-14 win. What the hell.