Missouri State (0-1) at No. 23 Louisville (1-0), 3:30 p.m., (ESPN3)
Line: no line.
Series Record: First meeting.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Tempting as it is for Louisville to look past FCS foe Missouri State toward next week's key game against North Carolina, the Cardinals simply can't afford to. After yielding 373 yards to Kentucky, they need to address some defensive issues and must avoid a tendency to let down after big wins. No doubt, Louisville is leery of Missouri State after it played Kansas State tough for three quarters before allowing 35 fourth-quarter points in a 51-9 rout. The Cardinals should feel better about themselves after Saturday, while the Bears can console themselves with a $500,000 payday.
KEY MATCHUP
Missouri State's passing game vs. Louisville's defense. The Bears' 257 passing yards at Kansas State has the Cardinals' attention, especially after allowing 280 and two touchdowns to Kentucky's Maxwell Smith. Missouri State also did not allow a sack. Louisville sacked Smith twice but generally struggled against Kentucky's no-huddle sets.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Missouri State: QB Ashton Glaser. The Missouri transfer had an impressive debut against K-State, completing 22 of 44 passes for 257 yards in the loss. He was the Bears' first QB of the Division I era to open the season with 200-plus offensive yards and their first since 2007.
Louisville: RB Senorise Perry. The speedy junior rushed for a game-high 108 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown, that showed his ability to break through a hole and take off.
FACTS & FIGURES
Missouri State is 1-27 against FBS schools with 26 consecutive losses. Its lone win came against UNLV in 1990. ... The Bears, coming off consecutive losing seasons, were picked to finish last in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. ... Louisville is 2-0 against FCS under Charlie Strong and 87-51-3 all time.
