Mercifully time finally ran out in the football game between the University of Louisville and Wake Forest University, sparing the personnel of both teams any further embarrassment.

If UofL’s 17-14 win over Boston College last week was ugly, the 20-19 escape past Wake Forest this week was grotesque. Had the Cardinals coughed up this one, the outlook for the rest of the season going to be bleak. It’s obviously going to be very challenging if UofL continues to play to the level of the competition.

When Bobby Petrino said it was a nice win after the game, what he really meant his team was damned lucky to get out of Winston-Salem with its self-respect intact. That was only possible because the defense saved UofL time after time, picking off four Wake Forest passes in the second half.

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The UofL offense, as Petrino warned during the week, is inconsistent and unpredictable. As impressive as the four-play 87-yard touchdown drive was in the closing seconds of the first half, it was more than offset by the lack of ability to move the ball most of the night.

Jackson still struggling, not getting much protection from his offensive line, rushing things, making hasty decisions. Opposing defenses zeroing in on him, shutting down UofL’s most viable running threat. He would, however, complete 19 of 26 passing attempts, connecting with Jamari Staples 10 times for 133 yards and two touchdowns.

Fate dictated that Petrino go with Kyle Bolin at quarterback after Jackson and Reggie Bonnafon were injured. UofL suddenly finding a running game, getting some much-needed production from Jeremy Smith. The drive would stall, however, and Louisville would be lucky to survive. UofL would manage only 68 net rushing yards for the night, compared to only 40 for the Deacons.

Petrino, regarded in some circles as an offensive genius, has had some serious challenges facing him while getting UofL to a 4-4 won-lost record this season. His genius much needed, considering the shortcomings of his offensive lne.

The coach fortunate that his defense is starting to live up to the hype (most of the time). That defense led by Devante Fields on Friday with seven solo tackles and a sack in this one, along with three sacks from Trevon Young with four solos and three sacks. Four interceptions courtesy of Dee Smith, Shaq Wiggins, Chucky Williams and Tremaine Washington.

Unless UofL’s offensive line starts to come around, expect some more ugly football next week when Syracuse comes to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Games between these two teams have never been very pretty.

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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.

2 thoughts on “Louisville edges Wake Forest in an ugly duckling”
  1. Hey Charlie, Louisville is not playing down to the level of the competition. Louisville is not a good football team either, the teams they are beating just happen to be worse then they are. I still think Kyle Bolin is a better quarterback then lamar jackson or Bonnafon, it’s odd Petrino doesn’t see it.Go Cards!!

    1. Your points may be viable B, but I keep hoping we will see the UofL team we saw in the first half against Florida State. It is good when Bolin can come in and make an immediate difference.

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