SMU vs Louisville head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 3, Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The Breakdown
#20 SMU edges Louisville 67-66, powered by a 4.2★ offensive line — essentially a coin flip.
When SMU has the ball: That 4.2★, 3.2-year O-line outclasses Louisville's 3.3★ D-line, averaging just 2.3 years.
When Louisville has the ball: The 3.2★ O-line versus SMU's 3.3★ D-line is a wash; Tre Richardson faces 3.0★ corners.
Swing factor: QB duel: Louisville's 4★ Lincoln Kienholz, three years, against SMU's 3★ Kevin Jennings, four.
X-factor: September Saturday in Louisville; the Cardinals start 14 of 22 portal additions, SMU roughly half.