Powell the back to watch for Louisville against Kentucky
By Paul Sykes
The real question about Louisville’s running game is which Bilal Powell is going to show up for the Kentucky football game Saturday.
Will it be the player who displayed dazzling speed and elusiveness as a freshman punt returner, the one who had U of L fans salivating for more of him, pleading that he be used as a primary running back.
Will he be the Bilal Powell who, during his sophomore and junior seasons, was only a shadow of himself, slow, injury prone, methodical, predictable and easily stopped most of the time?
Or will it be the Bilal Powell who, during spring and fall practice, has greatly impressed Charlie Strong’s new coaching staff, pushing Victor Anderson, a former freshman of the year, to a backup role?
Plenty of experience in the backfields of both U of L and Kentucky:
Louisville – Charlie Strong has sung the praises of Powell since arriving nine months ago. The slimmed down Powell still has the strength and power of a fullback and should be faster without the extra weight. Anderson says has recovered from his shoulder injury. If he is back to freshman form, the Cards have one of the most explosive players in the Big East. Blayne Donnell has looked promising, but Jeremy Wright is recovering from an injury.
Kentucky — Absolutely loaded, no question. Derrick Locke can shame any defense if he gets outside the containment using his world class speed. Donald Russell waits in the wings if Locke should tire. Moncell Allen and Greg Meisner are big and powerful runners who will try to fill the shoes of the departed John Conner. Randall Cobb and Morgan Newton can carry effectively if the Cats go to the Wildcat formation.
Advantage – Slight edge to Kentucky because of the question marks with U of L’s running backs. Derrick Locke’s career numbers are better than Powell and Anderson’s combined totals.
About the Author: Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, as well as a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.
Paul–Once again, thanks for the excellent analysis. I fear you have somewhat understated the Cats advantage in this area, but time will tell. Maybe our guys will step up!
Looks like most folks bit on the “observer’s” inflammatory rhetoric about fan behavior, rather than your considered, straightforward analysis. I chalk it up to a ratings ploy. Personally, I have mostly Cat fans in my family, so we keep it a friendly rivalry out of necessity. I only wish more fans could keep a mannerly demeanor–except of course when Duke is playing…
Inflammatory rhetoric? The observer?
You need to work on a lot of those family members, John. What’s with that, anyway?
Thanks, GentleJohn. Don’t be too hard on the “observer” he gave us our first break on blog writing and he remains a mentor and good friend. Plus, if you looked at his pre-game tailgate menu…he’s gonna need sympathy and Pepto-Bismol on Sunday.
We all have the “blue” sheep, it seems, in the family tree. Got a brother-in-law that bleeds blue and we all figure “mumsie” dropped him on his head when he was little.