Louisville Rushes Past Kansas St., 38-29
The University of Louisville defensive unit gained a measure of redemption on national television Wednesday, allowing Kansas State only 30 total yards on the ground. Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman, he with the 75% pass completions entering the game, was able to connect on only 22 of 42 attempts. Still managed to throw for three touchdowns, and defensive coordinator Ron English will be in some players’ faces over the next few days.
Getting Victor Anderson to change his commitment from West Virginia to Louisville was the best thing to happen for the UofL offense since Michael Bush. Anderson is not only quick but he is a tough little guy, shedding tacklers almost by sheer will on his way to 183 yards rushing and three touchdowns. He would have been a nightmare in a Mountaineer uniform.
Brock Bolen played the way fans expected him to play but starting in game three instead of game one this season, picking up 106 yards, mostly the hard way, off the guards and tackles.
Hunter Cantwell, delayed reaction as well, looking better than fans remember two seasons ago, becoming more confident with the offense, making receivers look good again.
Doug Beaumont is a gifted wide receiver, pulling nine passes for 119 yards. He will be even better when Cantwell has other targets to relieve him of the double coverage.
Wide receiver Josh Chichester will get there, still running before he catches the ball.
Can you imagine having both Trent Guy and Scott Long back at the position sometime soon?
Tim Dougherty probably won the extra point and field goal kicking duties after Chris Philpott’s agonizing performances with those duties. Philpott, however, may be more adept on kickoffs, averaging 65 yards to Dougherty’s 60.
Nice crowd of 42,208 for a Wednesday night game, many fans still without elecricity at home, putting that behind them, getting rewarded handsomely for their efforts. Still too many leaving a good football game early; that’s tough to figure.
Actually enjoyed Steve Kragthorpe’s post-game interview for a change. Fewer cliches when his team wins.
About the Author: Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, as well as a public affairs consultant and a UofL grad and longtime fan.
Good solid win–best game of the K era.
Much improved D has allowed shaky O to gel.
Could make noise in the very weak big east.
This is kinda nice — but kinda weakass too.
But, hey, I’m taking it!
I agree with your observations. This was a very good win, and it may well be a turning point for the Cards. I hope so!
I think that “Ouick” Vic Anderson may turn out to be one of the most exciting and productive running back in UofL history if he keeps going like this.
The atmosphere at PJCS felt like the the clock had been rolled back to the ’05 or ’06 season. How wonderful it is to have a reason to jump to your feet, high five your buddies and those seated around you and roar with approval at good plays from the Cards. I hope the win is a preview of how the rest of the season is going to go for us, and maybe Steve Kragthorpe gets another week’s respite from his critics, bashers and malcontents. On to UConn now, and let’s all make sure and greet their punt return team with a lot of love and respect. Or not.
Response to Sonja: What you said about enjoying the Cards’ play once again is akin to us in the Ville this week — we take for granted our electrical luxuries, just as we had gotten to taking for granted that the Cards would always be an exciting and victorious team. Until last year slammed us, just like last Sunday’s windstorm.