ulcardinalheadlogo2thumb1 Good times return for real to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium against a top 20 team, the Cards refusing to wilt under pressure. This Steve Kragthorpe regime took a decidedly right turn toward the future. Critics have puzzled looks, shaking their heads.

ulcardinalheadlogo2thumb1 Excellent protection from the offensive line, even though Hunter Cantwell was sacked three times. He completed 12 of 21 for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Also, no Cantwell fumbles for two straight games, only one interception that was not his fault. Showing signs of getting comfortable back there.

ulcardinalheadlogo2thumb1 Now fans know how badly Scott Long was missed, showing fellow wide receivers how to get it done, five receptions, 134 yards, two touchdowns.

ulcardinalheadlogo2thumb1 Need more receivers. Just mimic Scott, guys, shouldn’t be that difficult if you’re out there six days a week catching footballs.

ulcardinalheadlogo2thumb1Trent Guy missing. No mention of him in injury reports this week. Needs to get back on the field, the sooner the better.

ulcardinalheadlogo2thumb1 If there is an award category for coach who engineered the most improved defense award, Ron English will win hands down. The analysts are done with the wise cracks about the UofL defense.

ulcardinalheadlogo2thumb1 The Bulls had been averaging 195 rushing yards per game, but the Cardinals held them to 8. Linebacker Jon Dempsey, the Cardinals’ leading tackler, had nine tackles and a sack. Defensive linemen Earl Heyman and Adrian Grady sacked Grothe twice each.

ulcardinalheadlogo2thumb1Thanks for the trick play, Memphis. Had the same effect on USF as it had on the Cards. Wouldn’t want to have to lean on trick plays but it was fun finally being the perpetrator.

ulcardinalheadlogo2thumb1 Crowd of 40,300-plus into every play, returning early from half time, making deafening noise at appropriate times, sticking around to the end. That’s the way it ought to be, a major factor today.

Share this

By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

4 thoughts on “Louisville Clips South Florida, 24-20”
  1. So, here we are midway thru the 4th quarter…we’ve relinquished the lead back to the dreaded Bulls…but there’s something different happening inside PJCS this evening. Instead of seeing disgruntled fans trudging past me headed to the exit ramps, it’s actually getting louder in the stadium. The guy and his wife that hardly ever are still around by the 4th quarter are on their feet yelling with the rest of us, and I’ve fully recovered from the 3rd quarter sluggish feeling that I sometimes get at football games…caused by overindulgence of food, beverage and the fresh air and excitement of pre-game festivities. Paul and Bob, of course, are getting manically involved in their frantic yells for the line to give Cantwell protection and Bob’s mantra-like implore…”Let’s go Bolen!”
    Yep, we’re in a big time game and a big time crowd is here today. Then..it happens. Scott Long is streaking by his defender, and Paul bellows for Cantwell to throw it to him. From his lips to God’s ears. Hunter releases the pass, Long gobbles it up, and…touchdown UofL! our section explodes in a mobfest of hugs, high fives, shrieks and war whoops.

    This is why we come to the games. This is the type of moments we live for. This is the team, the response and the hopes we all hoped and dreamed for. And, it turned out to be a very good Saturday after all.

  2. be happy. What a game. I was so proud of our team and happy for them and for the coaches. This was a must win and give Koach credit, they were ready. Don’t you just love Ron English? That guy has our defense cranking. Sure wish we could keep him but so glad we have him for now anyway. I absolutely loved the play calling tonight. The play when Hunter walked toward the USF bench with his arms raised and then one of our backs ran the ball (was that Victor Anderson?) – WOW. Got to love it when it works and it worked tonight. Great Game. I agree with you Charlie about the fans – while they still need to work on being in their seats BEFORE kickoff, they came through tonight. I loved the noise and the fact that a lot of them stayed in their seats the whole game. All in all a wonderful day….we just watched it again and got just as fired up the second time. Man, I love Cardinal Football. Go CARDS!!

Comments are closed.