The University of Louisville’s youthful defensive backfield will be tested often against Florida International by a one-man wrecking crew embodied in wide receiver T. Y. Hilton. The senior speedster needed only 13 touches t0 rack up 286 yards against North Texas last week in a 41-16 FIU romp.
Hilton is an all-purpose offensive football player. He broke a 62-yard kickoff return against North Texas and is only 77 yards away from 6,000 career yards.
So, how does UofL contain the “Hilton for Heisman” roadshow?
First, U of L will need to contain the yards he gains after catches. It’d be foolish to predict that the Cards defense will keep him away from the ball. Nailing him after the catch or kick is the next best thing.
Next, the Cards will need to try and keep him off the field. The best prescription for that is rev up the U of L running game, which produced only 92 yards out of go-to backs Vic Anderson and Jeremy Wright. Ball control keeps the opponent’s offense off the field.
Louisville looked about as good as any team in the nation in its first 20 minutes against Murray State. They’ll need to increase that production proliferation against and capitalize against a defense that gave up almost 170 yards rushing last year.
If U of L can stall the Hilton express and maintain offensive consistency, the Cards will be in position for a win.