Killer instinct eludes Louisville football

Florida International University. Again.

Few University of Louisville football fans or players took FIU very seriously last season, the patsy on the schedule, there to provide an easy win for a young team. The only problem was that FIU won the first meeting between the programs 24-17.

One could argue that things have changed dramatically since that meeting, especially with many of UofL’s players having played in only one other game, an 11-point win over Murray State. UofL has a more talented quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, an offensive line with a year under its belt, a reliable defensive front four, and a stable of talented wide receivers.

But as Charlie Strong has pointed out, his team, with the exception of two quarters against North Carolina, seems to have a proclivity for playing down to the level of the competition. There has been little evidence of a killer instinct from the players and the coaching staff. UofL all but boarded the bus back to the dorm after rolling to a 34-7 lead over UNC in the first half, surviving only because of a deflected pass.

• After three games, UofL hasn’t scored much in the second half, managing only 30 against the likes of Kentucky, Missouri State and North Carolina

• Florida International, meanwhile, has chalked up 56 of its 84 points in the final 30 minutes, compiling a 1-2 record that includes a win over Akron and losses to Duke and Central Florida.

• FIU returns eight starters on offense and nine players on defense and will be highly motivated to prove last year’s win wasn’t a fluke.

• The game is a homecoming for 22 UofL players from South Florida, meeting up with family and friends. There will be distractions, business trip or not.
• UofL is undefeated after three games and that’s a rare phenomenon for young players who have yet to demonstrate respect and intensity for lesser opponents.