The University of Louisville won a football game over Syracuse 28-6 Friday in a game that will be remembered by some for far too many fumbles, interceptions and penalties.
Between all the miscues, however, there were some remarkable performances.
How about a UofL defense that would allow Syracuse only 70 yards rushing, far below the Orange’s heretofore average of 220 yards per game. Stopping Syracuse time after time, punishing the quarterback and ball carriers all game long. There’s a lot of reasons the UofL unit hasn’t given up a touchdown in the past three games.
Then there was the elusive Brandon Radcliff with his second consecutive 100-yard plus performance, consistently breaking tackles, bursting through, around and over the human barricades, refusing to be denied, carrying the offense and, oft times, the Syracuse defense on his back.
Radcliff would rack up 117 yards on 25 carries, leaving no doubt that he is the premier running back on this team. Coming out of nowhere, well, fourth on the depth chart when the season began, he has become the man to watch, the face of this team.
Reggie Bonnafon, starting his second college game, would continue to learn some hard lessons while getting better. The hard knocks would include an ugly interception on his second offensive series, enabling Syracuse to score first with a field goal. He would be guilty of another interception and a fumble along the way.
Bonnafon would also complete 12 of 22 passing attempts, one of which was a four-yard strike to Gerald Christian in the end zone. A pass that only Christian could have caught, executing the play in a way that had to please Bobby Petrino.
“He showed a lot of poise out there and made some good plays,” said Petrino, who is counting on continued improvement as the schedule gets toucher.
Then, of course, there was Gerod Holliman again, coming to the rescue, making another key interception, his seventh this season, personally ending another Syracuse threat. Leading the nation he is.
Louisville is 5-1, headed to Clemson and Death Valley next Saturday, with all the growing pains and a battle-ready defense that will be tested again and again.
Thanks for your observations, Rob. Feel free to comment anytime.
Always enjoy your articles Charlie. I agree there were some definite improvements in this game. I thought Special Teams did a much better job and if they can quit getting drive killing false start penalties, the Offense is going to continue to improve.