The University of Louisville football team could be looking at the worst possible scenario after losing its first three games, the first 0-3 start since 1984. No surprise really with all the personnel changes since last season.
Too soon for any dooms day scenarios, however, considering how competitive UofL has been in every game, three or four plays away from completely opposite results. Two straight games that could have gone into overtime had some field goals been converted.
Amazing really, considering the young guys on the offensive line, the porous defense against the run, the lack of any consistent offense, and the quarterback dilemma. And, of course, the unpredictability of the quarterbacks and the field goal kicking.
So close. Yet so far away from turning things around. We must already conclude that this will not be a special season. Already at a place where some fans are doubting whether this team knows how to win. That’s absurd, of course, because this coaching staff and the majority of the players are accustomed to winning.
What’s missing this season was the patsy to get things off to an easier start. Some think UofL will finally get one patsy next week when Samford shows up at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. That may not be the case with Samford have romped over Central Arkansas 45-16 and Florida A&M 58-21 in its first two games. What the Bulldogs will provide is another pretty strong test for UofL’s defense.
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Personally the disappointment of UofL fighting back cut the deficit to three points only to have John Wallace miss another field goal attempt was topped only by returning to the parking lot. Surrounded by a lot of disappointed, some angry, fans from the crowd of 55,396, the third largest crowd in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium history.
Adding to the disappointment was the inability of the two-year-old vehicle to start, the ignition system apparently programmed into thinking the observer was trying to steal his own car. Numerous attempts by fellow tailgaters and the towing service unable to trick the car into starting.
Rather than wait for AAA to arrive two or three hours in the wee hours of the morning, the observer choosing the leave the car overnight. Thanks to Mark and Michelle Mitchell for going out their way to take the observer and his wife home. No sleep coming Thursday night, no possible way, with the disappointment of the game and the frustration with the car.
AAA arrives Friday morning after an hour-and-a-half wait, Chris Lininger, the expert on batteries and car starters, patiently, between numerous calls to the car dealership, trying one last thing, and amazingly coming up with a solution. If that last one hadn’t worked, the wrecker was next with a tow to the dealership and a humongous auto repair bill.
Finally, collapsing in bed Friday afternoon. Things could have been much worse, stronger for all the challenges.
Our football coach ue to teach us about losing. He said when you are knock down and losing, the tough get up and get going! Losers they stay down and quit! Our fans have to do the same. You have to believe that our team will get back on course. I believe they will.