A tedious, methodical dissection of a team in disarray, putting University of Louisville football back in the win column.

A 34-3 decision over South Florida that goes down as another uninspiring performance, yawn, from a team that, unfortunately may not be remembered for anything beyond Teddy Bridgewater’s phenomenal passing. He continued to pad his stats, completing 25 of 29 passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns.

Admit it, you wanted to see UofL totally demolish South Florida. Sorry but this UofL team isn’t built or coached that way. The conservative play calling on offense is based largely on incremental progress. More emphasis on protecting a lead than putting a game out of reach it seems.

Plenty of opportunities to bury the Bulls, with the Cardinals controlling time of possession 41:43 to 17:47.

Or it could have something to do with the offensive line, which provides few openings for running backs and too little protection for Bridgewater who was sacked four times .  The lack of time and protection making his passing efficiency even more impressive in this game.

Dominique Brown facing similar challenges, but creating his own opportunities, breaking tackles, running over people, gaining 134 yards on 18 carries. Making himself available as a receiver, six catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Another win, however, seven of them in eight games so no one is complaining.

As Charlie Strong reminds us, expectations have come a long way in a four years. But this is a fan base that experienced some success over the last decade and savors the satisfaction of having blown out more than a few teams in its prime under another mentor.

A couple of weeks to prepare for UConn, another lackluster opponent. Get it out of your system.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.