A few days following that cliffhanger win for the University of Louisville football team over Indiana. Had it not been for a surprising onside kick, UofL would probably have had a much more impressive win that shaky 21-14 win. The questions linger.
That onside kick defined the next 30 minutes. Honestly, the Cards stunk in the second half. A lot of mistakes but the Cardinals are 3-0 and looking next at a strong Boston College team next Saturday. When was the last time Card Nation complained about a winner? Well, maybe not that long ago.
Three games in under new coach Jeff Brohm, not surprising that many fans have their doubts. Especially with quarterback Jack Plummer, the primary target when the UofL offense is stalls. He was nine of 13 passing attempts for 202 yards, a touchdown and an interception (not his fault hitting the receiver in the chest).
Ignoring two open receivers and going for the home run, throwing into double coverage. The ball intercepted at the Indiana three-yard line. The Hoosiers would respond with 13 plays and 97 yards in 7:27 minutes to make it a one score game.
The way Indiana went about things the entire game was short passes and easy running plays that ran clock. It almost worked. The UofL offense has to be more consistent, and the defense can’t take second half naps.
To be honest Louisville was lucky the Indiana offensive coordinator called a horrible play on the goal (18 inches), less than a yard from the goal line. But the Cards defense hung in there and stuffed the play.
Three games into Brohm’s leadership, it is not surprising that this team has some obvious deficiencies. This this team was put together like a puzzle. A piece here. A piece there from the transfer portal. Plummer, the sixth year senior, is free to do what he likes. But he needs to make better decisions. The defensive line needs more pressure on the opposing quarterback.
Brohm plays with an open book attack. It’s a more exciting brand of football. Card fans want to win, be exciting and dream big. This Louisville team is very much a work in progress. Anyone expecting 10, 11 wins or more is going to be disappointed. But eight or nine wins are certainly within reach.
Next up is a beefy and speedy Boston College, which is 1-2 after dropping a 31-29 decision to nationally ranked Florida State. If you gamble, take the points and BC. What’s important is that the Cardinals prevail on the field.
