By Paul Sykes
Saturday’s game against Memphis was supposed to be a double digit win for the University of Louisville football team.
Check: 56-0.
U of L hoped to have success in moving the ball against the woeful Memphis defense.
Check: 574 yards and eight touchdowns
Louisville looked to bounce back from the puzzling second half defensive meltdown against Arkansas State.
Check: zero points and no penetration past the 50 yard line in the second half for the opposition.
Three wins and two losses is about what most fans expected to be at this point, with the pre-conference soup and salad appetizers . Now, the entree arrives. The first course is a dangerous Cincinnati with a 2-3 record. UC rolled up 45 points in the first half against Miami, Ohio.
Quarterback Zach Collaros is a threat throwing or scampering. Rumbling running back Isaiah Pead won’t be arm tackled and keeps his feet moving. Several wide outs for Collaros to choose from, including Armon Binns with touchdowns in his last game. Plus, Cincinnati had Oklahoma on the ropes earlier this year.
All indicators point to a shootout under the Friday night lights Adam Froman is getting very comfortable with receiversJosh Bellamy, Josh Chichester and Cameron Graham. Dom Brown is showing he can run, pass and catch. Bilal Powell hasn’t been stopped all season, and Vic Anderson and Jeremy Wright are ready. Big East play straight ahead.
Seven games, seven chances to prove that a rebirth of Louisville football has begun under Charlie Strong. I wouldn”t miss it for the world.