Louisville Cardinals Simulate Win Over Wake Forest in CFB27 Preview

Louisville Cardinals pulled off a 35‑24 virtual victory over Wake Forest in the College Football 27 preseason series, with quarterback Lincoln Kienholz throwing for 346 yards and two touchdowns. The win moves the simulated Cardinals to 2‑1 overall and 1‑0 in ACC play.

How did Louisville Cardinals achieve the win?

The Cardinals opened strong, scoring 21 of the final 24 points. Kienholz completed 25 of 33 passes, adding a rushing score, while running back Isaac Brown rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns and also caught a touchdown pass. Wide receiver Lawayne McCory contributed 108 receiving yards on seven catches.

Which players stood out on defense?

Linebacker Stanquan Clark, safety Antonio Watts and safety Koen Entringer combined for 44 tackles, anchoring a defense that limited Wake Forest’s high‑rated offense. Their aggressive play forced three turnovers and kept the Demon Deacons under 300 total yards.

What does College Football 27 say about Wake Forest?

In the simulation, Wake Forest carries a 78 overall rating, with a 77‑rated offense and an 80‑rated defense. Transfer quarterback Gio Lopez (79 OVR) leads the attack, supported by wideouts Carlos Hernandez (85 OVR) and Kam Shanks (81 OVR). Defensively, cornerback Deuce Blades (87 OVR) and defensive end Langston Hardy (84 OVR) are the top performers.

How might this virtual result influence the real season?

The simulated win gives fans a glimpse of the Cardinals’ potential offensive balance and defensive depth. If the real team mirrors this performance, they could improve on their actual ACC standing early in the 2026 schedule. The next real‑life test arrives on 2026-09-06 when Louisville faces Ole Miss Rebels.

What’s next in the preseason series?

The Cardinals will continue their virtual road trip with Game 5 at NC State, followed by matchups against Florida State, Syracuse, Stanford, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Pitt, and a rivalry game at Kentucky. Each simulation offers a chance to evaluate depth chart changes before the season kicks off.

Why does this matter to Louisville fans?

Beyond entertainment, the CFB27 series lets fans experiment with lineups and see how new recruits might fit. It also highlights strengths—like Kienholz’s accuracy—and exposes areas needing work, such as pass rush consistency against high‑rated opponents.

Where can fans follow the series?

The full preseason preview series, including video highlights, is available on the Louisville Cardinals On SI site. Fans can also subscribe to the free newsletter and follow updates on Facebook, X, and Instagram for real‑time insights.

How does this virtual performance compare to past simulations?

Earlier in the series, Louisville secured a win against SMU, breaking an all‑time real‑life losing streak. That victory, combined with today’s success, suggests the simulated Cardinals are shaping up as a competitive ACC contender.

What can coaches learn from the simulation?

Head coach Jeff Brohm can use the data to assess play‑calling efficiency and defensive schemes. The high tackle count from Clark, Watts, and Entringer indicates a successful blitz package that could translate to real‑world adjustments.

Final thoughts on the virtual matchup?

While a video game can’t predict outcomes, the 35‑24 win showcases a balanced attack and a stout defense. Louisville Cardinals fans now have a reason to be optimistic as the real season approaches, especially with the upcoming Ole Miss showdown on the horizon.