By Paul Sykes

Another inevitable trip to the woodshed this weekend for the University of Louisville, masquerading as a competitive football team. Anything under a 14-point loss to West Virginia might be considered a moral victory by some. What to watch for:

  • Defense against Noel Devine. Louisville has contained key running backs several times this year but they’ll run into midget monster in WVU’s Noel Devine. He’s just short of 1,000 yards rushing after eight games and can break the big run at any time.
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  • Move the ball and score. This isn’t the Rich Rod defense of old. WVU has allowed over thirty points in each of their losses and small quarterback BJ Daniel of USF has a lot of success against them Friday. If Louisville can get their running backs by committee functioning and a passing attack in gear, U of L could get to the end zone multiple times.
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  • Play four quarters. It is a common theme for Louisville to disappear for at least a quarter, usually the third. If they can prevent the 15-minute snooze that seems to doom them in all five losses this year, they could conceivably be close at the wire.
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  • Avoid costly turnovers. Maybe too much to ask for, considering the track record. Hold on to the ball and don’t throw into coverage.  No need to gift-wrap an offensive possession for a team that averages over 400 yards a game when they have the ball.

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By Charlie Springer

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

7 thoughts on “West Virginia Licking Chops”
  1. Paul,

    Have a great time in Morgantown and try to stay out of the parking lot at halftime. Someday, you’ve got to share with this board your halftime (and most of the 3rd quarter) experience up there in 2005.

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