Before Saturday’s win over NC State, I can’t remember such negative vibes around a U of L program, including basketball. That covers more years than I care to admit as a fan. I’ve seen athletic directors come and go, but Tom Jurich is an exceptional individual.

With his keen insight into coaching personalities and his vision for the university, Tom Jurich is one of the best things that ever happened for U of L. We are fortunate to have him, especially with the way U of L started this year. Commenting on Coach Steve Kragthorpe, Tom told the Louisville Sports Report last week:

“Steve is a very solid guy … His background and credentials were impeccable, and that is why I hired him. He has what it takes to be our head coach, and he turned down many jobs to come here. This was a tough spot to come into because the expectations were so high. He accepted the challenge, and he’ll fight through it. He is going to be our long-term coach, and he is going to do a great job here. We’ll get through this … He’s a phenomenal recruiter, he’s proven that already. Everybody is involved. I’ve always said that you find out who your friends during times of adversity.”

Tom added a few words about his own situation:

“We’ve got to get through some tough times right now, and we’re going to fight through it. I’m committed to this place and making it work, and this is something that’s important to the school, the city and the Big East.”

Thanks Tom. You are the right man in the right place.

Ten years ago U of L fans would have been ecstatic with a 29-10 win over a North Carolina State team, even if NC State had a 1-3 won-lost record as the Wolf Pack did before the game.

After four years of Petrino, however, there’s a different mindset. You should have been expected to beat that team.

Well, after the first four games, Cardinal fans weren’t sure of what to expect. I, for one, was holding my breath on every one of NC State’s first offensive plays during the first half, half expecting their offense to get behind our defense was one of those embarrassing wide-open touchdowns.

Playing without leading receiver Harry Douglass and with Brian Brohm looking almost like it was his first start at times, the Cards dominated the ground game, withstood some serious third quarter challenges and won convincingly. I gritted my teeth when I heard that Douglass was not going to play, wondering what our coaching staff was thinking when SK said Harry would be good to go.

It was good to get another win, something to build on finally. This should give Card fans some hope for further improvement as Utah comes to town.

Back to main point. The fact that people didn’t go bananas over this win is an indication of how the program advanced over the last four years. We had more than 40,000 people at the Syracuse game, a noon time game that was nationally televised. Ten years ago, we would been lucky to have 28,000 fans in attendance.

Anyone who wasn’t born in the mid-eighties would have to admit there have been significances in the program. There were bound to be low spots and setbacks. Let’s hope the improvement continues.

Ten years ago U of L fans would have been ecstatic with a 29-10 win over a North Carolina State team, even if NC State had a 1-3 won-lost record as the Wolf Pack did before the game.

After four years of Petrino, however, there’s a different mindset. You should have been expected to beat that team.

Well, after the first four games, Cardinal fans weren’t sure of what to expect. I, for one, was holding my breath on every one of NC State’s first offensive plays during the first half, half expecting their offense to get behind our defense was one of those embarrassing wide-open touchdowns.

Playing without leading receiver Harry Douglass and with Brian Brohm looking almost like it was his first start at times, the Cards dominated the ground game, withstood some serious third quarter challenges and won convincingly. I gritted my teeth when I heard that Douglass was not going to play, wondering what our coaching staff was thinking when SK said Harry would be good to go.

It was good to get another win, something to build on finally. This should give Card fans some hope for further improvement as Utah comes to town.

Back to main point. The fact that people didn’t go bananas over this win is an indication of how the program advanced over the last four years. We had more than 40,000 people at the Syracuse game, a noon time game that was nationally televised. Ten years ago, we would been lucky to have 28,000 fans in attendance.

Anyone who wasn’t born in the mid-eighties would have to admit there have been significances in the program. There were bound to be low spots and setbacks. Let’s hope the improvement continues.

So much groaning and moaning on the U of L message boards that it’s obvious some people can’t recover from the season’s poor start. They want to take it out on anybody who expresses hope that the season can be rescued. Some on Inside The Ville (ITV) have made at least two dozen posts, either calling for Kragthorpe’s immediate departure (which isn’t going to happen) or demeaning other posters who want to give him more time.

You would think they had made their point by now. But there are some of them who think they must have the last word. It’s too bad you can just shut them up. But these are these are part and parcel of the Internet age. They have nine lives or nine monikers. To make them go away, you have to learn to steer clear of them. Thank goodness for the “Ignore” option on ITV.

WILLIE II GONE: The loss of Willie Williams, after being arrested on marijuana charges, is an indicator that the down cycle may finally have hit bottom. Let’s hope so anyway.

So much groaning and moaning on the U of L message boards that it’s obvious some people can’t recover from the season’s poor start. They want to take it out on anybody who expresses hope that the season can be rescued. Some on Inside The Ville (ITV) have made at least two dozen posts, either calling for Kragthorpe’s immediate departure (which isn’t going to happen) or demeaning other posters who want to give him more time.

You would think they had made their point by now. But there are some of them who think they must have the last word. It’s too bad you can just shut them up. But these are these are part and parcel of the Internet age. They have nine lives or nine monikers. To make them go away, you have to learn to steer clear of them. Thank goodness for the “Ignore” option on ITV.

WILLIE II GONE: The loss of Willie Williams, after being arrested on marijuana charges, is an indicator that the down cycle may finally have hit bottom. Let’s hope so anyway.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days when problems are supposed to get worked out. So about now the team will be in full gear. If I were coach for a day, my priorities would be to:

— Develop a pass rush to get pressure on the quarterback.
— Double-pump drills so the safeties get used to them.
— Ensure that safeties put themselves between the receivers and the goal line.
— Have coaches get in players faces on defense.
— Have coaches get in Urrutia’s face after lack of effort.
— Get Brian Brohm to call audibles — he’s the Peyton Manning of college football.

And finally, Kragthorpe need to refrain from using a single cliche during the entire practice sesssion.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days when problems are supposed to get worked out. So about now the team will be in full gear. If I were coach for a day, my priorities would be to:

— Develop a pass rush to get pressure on the quarterback.
— Double-pump drills so the safeties get used to them.
— Ensure that safeties put themselves between the receivers and the goal line.
— Have coaches get in players faces on defense.
— Have coaches get in Urrutia’s face after lack of effort.
— Get Brian Brohm to call audibles — he’s the Peyton Manning of college football.

And finally, Kragthorpe need to refrain from using a single cliche during the entire practice sesssion.