Defense, as feared, was pretty pathetic overall. Some improvements were noted in a three-point loss to previously winless Syracuse but there were so many errors in crucial situations. It is becoming increasingly obvious that there was dramatic coaching slippage during the off season. Still too many players in the backfield who look like they are new to the game of football.

Sure makes you appreciate the job Petrino did last season with many of the same players, winning the Big East championship and the Orange Bowl. U of L appears to have dropped a level or two in terms of player skills.

The coach uses so much coach-speak that it’s impossible to tell whether he is capable of providing the leadership that would make this team a contender. Cliches? We heard the all already several times. Right the ship, get things turned around, no question about it, etc., etc. Who are you Coach Kragthorpe? Is there a real personality beneath that predictable robot persona?

Attendance: The most impressive showing of the day came from the fans, with 40,972 of them showing for a noon kickoff with temperatures in the mid-90’s. Greatly exceeding everyone’s expectations. We can thank Petrino for creating so many more U of L football fanatics during his tenure.