I am not an insider by any means, however and not surprisingly, I continue to hear a prominent name that is going to leave the program. I don't think that is going to be the only one, either. Not going to mention any names because that isn't fair to the kids but all around the transfer buzz isn't good.

Rich Rodriguez........Go!

Rumors flying everywhere (Lachlan, twitter, etc) that by the end of this week, Bobby will get exposed.

Who knows what it is, but it’s coming

This morning:
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This is the description of the new Broadcast Center in the 'Game Day Guide' for basketball:

"The state-of-the-art University of Louisville Athletics Broadcast Center opened in August 2018 at a cost of $8 million and is just one of five dedicated Division 1 athletics facilities in the country. The 8,000 sq. ft. broadcast center features 92 television monitors, 18 different rooms, which includes five control rooms, two studios, a green room, a conference room, break rooms and offices, and a fiber connection to 13 different UofL athletics venues. It is slated to produce over 200 events during the 2018-19 season and will have the capacity to produce linear broadcasts for all ESPN networks."

Question. Why was Sam Fuerhing left off the ACC teams? Sam, it’s time to motivate.

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lege...-coach-calls-timeout-before-retiring-mid-game

Story on ESPN: Rick Pitino hires agent, wants chance to become NBA coaching candidate. “I want to develop teams and develop players and build a winner. I want to fit into an organization. At this stage, that’s all I’m interested in.”

2 UK-UL tickets on the 25 yard line. 18 rows off the field. Comes with parking pass to the UK tailgate in the green lot.$5000 each. 1st come 1st serve. These seats are right behind UL bench so you can use your toothless banter to get under the skin of our great coach.

I think this might be a first for me. And that is to start a conversation on these boards that deals with local politics. I am a Democrat for reasons that I’m not going to to into here but I will go into why I’m going to vote for the republican in this year’s mayoral race here in Metro Louisville. Ms. Leet, a UofL Speed School graduate, will be receiving my vote this year. There are several very valid issues that both have discussed during the race but the issue that rankles me is the total lack of support from our present Mayor for the University of Louisville. He discusses “economic engines” like Ford, UPS and Humana for example but he, curiously, leaves out the University of Louisville. Let’s see now, UofL has 6,500+ employees many of which are high wage earners and I’m not talking about the athletic department. I’m talking about academic leaders. There are 2,000 plus faculty and academic administrators on our campus and I’d venture a guess that the average income of those folks is a minimum of six figures. Plus many, many of those employees are women, not that this is a gender debate. Our University IS one of the top economic engines of our community AND Commonwealth of Kentucky but you can count on one hand the times he has referred to UofL in his campaign drivel. Our University is the training ground for ALL of our medical professionals, our school teachers, our future business leaders, our attorneys not to mention our local law enforcement members. Not to mention engineers of which Angela Leet is one. And none of this even mentions the incredible research that is being accomplished on our campuses. It should be easy, VERY easy, to use UofL’s accomplishments to support your poitical ambitions but Fischer simply ignores that possibility. Angela Leet is a very proud graduate of UofL and owns and manages a very successful business here that IS NOT LOCATED IN INDIANA. I urge all of my fellow Cardinal fans to consider Ms. Leet in this year’s election. Now I’ll say that the odds of her success in this year’s campaign are probably fairly slim but the her future political life may start with this year’s election. Thanks for reading and your consideration.

GO CARDS - BEAT EVERYBODY!!! God Bless America!!!

There are 2 basic options for the Football Program going forward, at the end of this season:

Option 1: Pray/Hope and Delay/Defer any Decision

a. Keep Petrino and any Staff he chooses for 2019
b. Accept certainty of much lower 2019 season ticket sales (a drop of ~12,000 from 2018)
c. Likely a ~$6m reduction in revenue (Contributions/tickets/concessions/advertising)
d. Hope W/L record improves in 2019 and team play gets better throughout 2019 season
e. Be prepared to hire a new coach and staff in Dec 2019, if things remain very bad.
f. Brohm may or may not be available in Dec 2019. His price may be higher. His desirability may be lower or higher. His willingness may be lower or higher. There may be better coaches available. Or not.
g. If Petrino has righted the ship sufficiently in 2019, then continue to 2020 with him and Hope/Pray.
h. If Petrino continues to remain coach, accept some blowback from those who wanted Brohm.
i. No effect on costs/expenses/compensation in 2019. But an almost certain large revenue reduction
j. Unknown effect on costs/expenses/compensation and also revenue in 2020 and later.

TOTAL FINANCIAL EFFECT 2019: Negative $6m
TOTAL FINANCIAL EFFECT 2020: Unknown, though downstream Petrino Buyout of up to $14m still remains if he is fired at end of 2019.

TOTAL LIKELY QUANTIFIABLE EFFECT: Negative $20m (if team remains bad in 2019)
TOTAL LIKELY QUANTIFIABLE EFFECT: Negative $6m (if team turns it around in 2019)


Option 2: Brohm Hired in December 2018

a. Petrino and Staff depart in Dec 2018.
b. Buyouts totaling ~$14m are paid to Petrino and Staff
c. Brohm and new Staff are hired.
d. Brohm buyout at Purdue is ~$4m
e. Season Ticket sales for 2019 increase (perhaps by 4,000)
f. Revenue increases by ~$2m (all inputs)
g. Petrino buyout cost is spread over 3 years (2019,2020,2021)
h. Costs/Expenses/Compensation more than double for a 3 year period. Due to Brohm Comp plus Petrino Deferred Comp Payout. About ~$5m per year added costs in 2019-2021.
i. Revenue increased by $2m in 2019. Afterward, unknown.
j. W/L record in 2019 and afterward may improve.
k. 2019 Recruiting Effect unknown (gains and losses)

TOTAL FINANCIAL EFFECT 2019: Negative $3m
TOTAL FINANCIAL EFFECT 2020: Unknown, but $9m more Petrino Buyout remains to be paid at some point.

TOTAL LIKELY QUANTIFIABLE EFFECT: Negative $12m (if Brohm stays and remains reasonably successful)

Option 3: Someone besides Brohm is hired for 2019.

a. I don't intend to quantify this one. Blowback would be strong. Ticket sales would not necessarily bounce back up.

Nov 3 @ #3 Clemson
Nov 9 @ #19 Syracuse
Nov 17 vs #22 NC State
Nov 24 vs #9 Kentucky

And even though we will get beat down, I still prefer it to the old American and CUSA schedules.

I don't care if our Head Coach next season is Bobby Petrino, Jeff Brohm, or someone else. What we NEED to do to fix the defense is go out and get this guy and pay him Grantham/Sirmon/BVG money. Hell, if we are going to move on from Petrino, give this guy a serious look. He has been THE key in establishing NWMS as the undisputed powerhouse in Div II. Let me throw this stat out for you: NWMS was the only football team in ALL of the NCAA (all divisions) who did not allow a single rushing touchdown all season in 2017. Read that again. Yes, it was because of him. He had been their Defensive Coordinator the six seasons prior and has been a member of their defensive staff since 2004. In that time, NWMS has dominated nearly every defensive statistic annually en route to becoming the winningest program in Div II. His name is Rich Wright, and he is a defensive genius.

Resume:

• Guided the Bearcats to the program's 22nd overall and 14th consecutive NCAA Div. II playoff appearance in 2017
• Named the 20th head coach of Northwest football on Dec. 19, 2016
• Served six seasons as the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach
• Joined the staff in 2004 as the defensive line and special teams coordinator.
• 2014 and 2015 ProGrass Division II Coordinator of the Year
• Team has won nine MIAA titles, four NCAA titles and appeared in eight national championship games since 2004.
• Since arriving at Northwest, the Bearcats have gone 172-25 overall and 128-12 in MIAA games.
• Earned his masters from Northwest in 1996.

Richard Wright was named head coach at Northwest Missouri on Dec. 19, 2016. He arrived at Northwest in 2004 as the defensive line coach and coordinator of special teams. In 2011, Wright was named defensive coordinator and assistant head coach.

The Northwest defense continued to be dominating in 2017. The Bearcats ranked first in the nation in scoring defense (9.3 ppg), total defense (212.8 yards/game), blocked punts (7) and third down conversion defense (19.9 percent).

Northwest limited the opposition to 62.0 yards per game on the ground. The Bearcat defense did not allow a rushing touchdown in 2017. In fact, Northwest was the only NCAA school to not allow a rushing touchdown all of last season - including FBS, FCS, Division II and Division III. The Northwest defense had three players named to the All-MIAA First Team in defensive lineman Austin Eskew, linebacker Ben Althoff and defensive back Marcus Jones.

Jones earned first-team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association at the conclusion of the 2017 campaign. Jones tied a career-high with 15 passes defended in 2017, leading one of the nation's top ranked defenses. He becomes the 16th individual to earn AFCA All-America honors in Northwest history. In 12 games at cornerback, Jones recorded 33 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. He had one forced fumble and also recorded an interception.

In 2016, Northwest's defense led the nation in total yards (240.9), rushing yards (67.7), scoring (12.0) and blocked kicks (13). Four Bearcats earned first-team All-MIAA honors and four earned All-America honors. On five occasions, the Northwest defense held opponents under 200 yards of total offense and 12 times held rushing attacks under 100 yards. The Bearcats' four playoff opponents averaged just 54.7 rushing yards, 170.5 passing yards, 225.5 total yards and 9.0 points per game.

The Bearcats' 2015 national championship featured one of the most well rounded defensive units in history. Northwest led the nation in six categories including total defense, scoring defense, team sacks, rushing defense, team passing efficiency defense and third-down conversion percentage defense. The team finished atop the MIAA in 15 defensive categories as well, leading to six first-team All-MIAA selections. Collin Bevins earned the third-consecutive MIAA Defensive Player of the Year award for the Bearcats, setting school records in sacks (15.5) and tackles for loss (26.5).

One of the most dominant defenses at any level of football could be found under Wright in 2014. The Bearcats led the nation in total defense and were ranked second in rushing defense, team pass efficiency defense and third down conversion defense. Northwest ranked third in first down defense, fourth in passing yards allowed and fifth in scoring defense. Five Bearcat defensive players earned first team All-MIAA honors including Matt Longarcre who was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and 2014.

In 2013, Wright’s defense was ranked ninth in the NCAA in total defense, allowing just 292.5 yards per game. The Bearcat defense led the MIAA defensively in pass yards allowed, sacks, pass efficiency defense, turnovers gained, third down percentage defense, blocked kicks, blocked punts and total defense.

The 2012 Bearcat defense was nothing short of spectacular, ranking among the nation’s elite in scoring defense (second), turnover margin (third), pass efficiency defense (seventh), pass defense (12th) and total defense (17th).

In his first season as the defensive coordinator, Josh Lorenson became the 10th All-America defensive lineman to play under Wright. The 2011 season also saw his defensive unit hold opponents under 100 yards rushing four times and under 100 yards passing three times.

Northwest tied for the most sacks in the nation in 2009 when 19 Bearcats combined for 48 sacks. Former player and current graduate assistant Kendall Wright enjoyed one of the most decorated seasons as a return specialist in 2008, earning All-America accolades.

Three former players have been on NFL rosters, Longacre, Dave Tollefson and Steve Williams. Each have spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots. Tollefson is a two-time Super Bowl Champion earning his first ring with the New York Giants in 2007 and again following the 2011 season.

Wright began coaching during the 1991 season at Cortland State before spending time at Dana College (Neb.) from 1993-94. Covering several facets of coaching, Wright has been an offensive coordinator, linebackers coach, wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator.

A native of Hamilton, N.Y., Wright earned his bachelor’s degree at Dana College in 1995 and his master’s at Northwest in 1996. Wright resides in Maryville with his wife, Sarah, who is also a Northwest alum, and their daughters, Grace and Kate.

Assuming we do move on from Bobby Petrino at the end of this season ...

It is very strange that the two head coaches for the revenue producing sports, will go through coaching searches with absolutely ZERO drama over who the choice will be. Usually, coaching searches result in a solid week or two of awesome message board activity. Not this time it would seem.

Chris Mack was a done deal before the search even started.

And Jeff Brohm seems to already be the guy in line to take over the reins for the football program.

(They are also about the same age - Mack born in Dec 1969, and Brohm in April 1971).

I'm not sure Brohm is as done a deal as everyone else - Jeff doesn't seem to be swayed by anyone but himself in making decisions, and he could decide to stay at Purdue for another couple years, seeing that project through. But it feels like the Chris Mack deal all over again.


The "fun" in the coaching search will start if Jeff DOES decide to stay at Purdue. Then this message board can spend time breaking down the candidates, finding the pro's and con's with each guy out there who would be our next football coach.

I know my preference would be for a younger coach, who is hungry for success, and carries with him a nice dose lf a$$-hole with him. Brohm fits this criteria. But there are probably a dozen other guys out there that also fit this.

Wow.

You think Jim Delany is re-thinking the whole Maryland/Rutgers adds to the conference? One has a player die due to heat stroke type issues during off season workouts. The other has a LB charged in a double murder plot.

YIKES.

Poor Rutgers.

https://www.nj.com/middlesex/index....nebacker_charged_in_attempted_double-mur.html

...Paraphrasing a little, but I saw a snippet video on WLKY late news tonite. His message was poor attendance could hurt recruiting.

I may not want him managing my finances, but Tyra appears to know what's important in fan behavior. Not that I would expect anything less from a guy I call "Fanboy"...

For having Paulie on LOUISVILLE FIRST this morning to preview WBB and talk other women's sports. He really does like Catholic Boy a lot in the Breeders Cup Classic, too. And, he said to tell you he has two keys that he has no idea what they fit or where they came from. I'm hoping one is for a trunk full of money and the other...A BRAND NEW CAR!

-sonja-

Just wanted to drop some info by on top Louisville target JJ Weaver, who officially visited Louisville this past weekend. I spoke to two different sources close to the program with direct knowledge of Weaver's recruitment. The first source told me that they think his visit "went very well" and when asked if they believed Louisville leads for Weaver, replied "[It's] hard to say yes 100% but I really think so". They added Weaver would be the "crown jewel" of the recruiting class.

The second told me that Weaver "was probably going to commit" to Louisville.

I take both of these with a grain of salt. We know the uncertainty of Petrino as coach, although that was apparently addressed during Weaver's visit. With that being said I still think there is a chance that Louisville can land Weaver and as of right now I'll keep my prediction locked on Louisville for the 4-star prospect.

https://www.wlky.com/article/uofl-a...speaks-out-about-poor-fan-attendance/24413462

I'd wager that Tyra's lack of public support for Petrino saying he'll evaluate at the end of the season is doing more to hurt recruiting than the fan support. In other words, there's just no fix for this situation until he cans Petrino and we get a new coach. And Tyra needs to fire him one second after the final horn of the UK game so a new staff can try to salvage any recruiting for those kids possibly waiting to see what happens. IF Tyra is even remotely thinking about retaining Petrino he needs to come out and say it. I've pretty been giving Tyra a thumbs up but this is very amateurish to come out and handle things this way. In my opinion.

The interception late in the FSU game. BP knew who they were on defense. We had not found out yet.

There is a whole lot going on in the world of Louisville athletics right now so this may not be the easiest/best time to do one of these Q&A sessions but I'll give you my opinion as best I can. Send me your football, basketball, recruiting, or any random question you have and I'll give it a go.

Mike Farrell

✔@rivalsmike
· Oct 28, 2018
Hit me up with your #TwitterTuesday questions for my column on Tuesday please. CFB, recruiting, NFL draft whatever. Thanks.


Dean Marella@ScarletBDD

What are your top five coaches to most likely be gone at the end of this season

8:16 PM - Oct 28, 2018

This is a tough question because there wont be as many moves this offseason as there were last year. The following guys are on the hot seat:

1. Clay Helton, USC – USC (4-4, 3-3 in the Pac-12) has been horrible and need to make a change here. He might be forced to make some staff changes before he gets fired but he’s on a very hot seat.

2. Larry Fedora, North Carolina – North Carolina has one win and a change seems ready to be made soon. The Tar Heels can’t compete in the ACC anymore.

3. Chris Ash, Rutgers – After a glimmer of hope in 2017 when the Scarlet Knights won three Big Ten games, RU is 1-7, 0-5 in the Big Ten, and a change might need to be made despite all the years remaining on Ash's contract.

4. Bobby Petrino, Louisville – Louisville has become an embarrassment and there are some great candidates out there (Jeff Brohm) so a move now might make sense.

5. Gus Malzahn, Auburn – The buyout is ridiculous, but Auburn has been such an underachiever that the Tigers might want to part ways anyhow.

** Petrino Monday Presser Updates **

Watching the video yesterday and the it is bad... we are out of position a number of times, it was our worst performance in terms of that.

Rodjay continues to give us good effort on his punt return. ... He had to beat two guys right off the bat. ... We also blocked a punt... Yasir continues to perform well...

The last time Louisville lost 7 or more straight games to Power 5 Opponents was:

In the 1991 and 1992 seasons under Howard Schnellenberger

The consecutive losses were:

1991 vs #11 Tennessee 11-28
1991 @ #19 Ohio State 15-23
1991 @ Boston College 3-33
1991 @ Virginia Tech 13-41
1991 vs #1 Florida State 15-40
1992 @ #17 Ohio State 19-20
1992 @ Arizona State 0-19
1992 vs Syracuse 9-15

That's 8 P5 Losses in a ROW!

The combined score of those losses was: 85-219

The average score was: 11-27

From 2017 through 2018, Louisville has now lost 7 consecutive P5 games.

2017 vs Mississippi State (N) 27-31
2018 vs #1 Alabama (N) 14-51
2018 @ #23 Virginia 3-27
2018 vs Florida State 24-28
2018 vs Georgia Tech 31-66
2018 @ #24 Boston College 20-38
2018 vs Wake Forest 35-56

That's 7 P5 Losses in a Row!

The combined score of these losses is: 154-297

The average score is: 22-42