A Few thoughts on the Clemson Game

[rentalman]

It was clear from the start on offense the staff had to limit what they could call because of MCs hand injury. MC running the ball is a big part of the offense and they were not calling any runs for him.
And Clemson figured that out pretty quickly. Then when he scrambled out of the pocket and ran the ball on the last play of the half he got injured and did not return. After the game, SS said sprained
his right shoulder. Sure hope he can go against NCST. That is a winnable game with MC, it's not without him.

I love the way T Evans runs the ball. But that was his 3rd fumble lost this season on not that many carries. Has to clean that up or you can't play him.

Staying on the subject of RBs, what is up with Cooley? I suspect he is pissed because he played pretty well against UVA and PITT and then Evans and Jordan got most of the carries against WF.
He almost transferred after last season and it would not surprise me if he does after this season. Especially if we sign the RB from Texas.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the play of Momo Sonogo. He did not look very good in the first 2 or 3 games. But since then he has been a monster. I guess it took a while for him to get comfortable
in the scheme.

Really need to win the NCST game. UK is not playing well but going in and beating them at their place is not going to be easy. They will be fired up on senior day.

 

[earsky]

Just a couple of things other than the Mr Obvious observation that there was no way the zebras were letting the good guys get out of there with a W.
- That first Clemson possession that they eventually scored on,3rd and 15 we only rush 4 and drop 7 back in deep prevent. I really wish Brown had dialed up something there,made that conversion a lot less likely.Our dbs were struggling with footing all day(anybody else notice this?) That was huge to me. Set the tone and snatch away the early energy from the Tigers. We played catch up the rest of the way.
- Our qbs don't seem to get the plays in time to make any kind of read or check at the line of scrimmage. Some of those blitz packages were picked up, but you wish they had more time to look at what's in front of them.
- I saw one bubble screen that worked. It was the only time we ran it. Just seems you have to make aggressive defenses pay for pinning their ears back relentlessly.

 

[TheRealVille]

It was clear from the start on offense the staff had to limit what they could call because of MCs hand injury. MC running the ball is a big part of the offense and they were not calling any runs for him.
And Clemson figured that out pretty quickly. Then when he scrambled out of the pocket and ran the ball on the last play of the half he got injured and did not return. After the game, SS said sprained
his right shoulder. Sure hope he can go against NCST. That is a winnable game with MC, it's not without him.

I love the way T Evans runs the ball. But that was his 3rd fumble lost this season on not that many carries. Has to clean that up or you can't play him.

Staying on the subject of RBs, what is up with Cooley? I suspect he is pissed because he played pretty well against UVA and PITT and then Evans and Jordan got most of the carries against WF.
He almost transferred after last season and it would not surprise me if he does after this season. Especially if we sign the RB from Texas.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the play of Momo Sonogo. He did not look very good in the first 2 or 3 games. But since then he has been a monster. I guess it took a while for him to get comfortable
in the scheme.

Really need to win the NCST game. UK is not playing well but going in and beating them at their place is not going to be easy. They will be fired up on senior day.

Cooley is injured.

 

[rentalman]

Cooley is injured.

Are you sure? On the telecast of the JM game they said he was not playing for "personnel reasons". A friend of mine texted me and asked "what the hell does that mean" ? On the game yesterday they said he did not accompany the team to the game. Luke Kandra was at the game and he is injured. I saw him leaving the field at the half. He had his Jersey on but otherwise was not dressed to play. Why would Cooley not be there? I hope you are right but something is not adding up.

 

[TheRealVille]

He has been injured so I'm assuming he still is. There might be something more but I don't know. I don't like it when Cards leave but it's probably best for Cooley if he does.

 

[rentalman]

He has been injured so I'm assuming he still is. There might be something more but I don't know. I don't like it when Cards leave but it's probably best for Cooley if he does.

I remember him going out of the Pitt game. But he came back later in the game. And he has had a fairly large brace on his elbow. So it could be an injury. But he came very close to transferring last December.

 

[CardX]

Despite the results, I liked the effort. Cards played hard. I don’t feel like momentum was stalled. Clemson is just a really difficult road game. Two winnable games remain. That wasn’t the case a month ago.

 

[Knucklehank1]

He has been injured so I'm assuming he still is. There might be something more but I don't know. I don't like it when Cards leave but it's probably best for Cooley if he does.

Cooley had a loss in his family, someone close to him. Don’t know details but that’s what the personal reason is.

 

[RealStateBird]

The ACC sucks and Louisville should be looking for a way out. They ream UofL at home and on the road. I was at the WF game it’s blatantly obvious the League of East Coast White Men do not like Louisville. You would think in the 21st century America would be past premeditated cheating but evidently not.

 

[BPGhost]

The ACC sucks and Louisville should be looking for a way out. They ream UofL at home and on the road. I was at the WF game it’s blatantly obvious the League of East Coast White Men do not like Louisville. You would think in the 21st century America would be past premeditated cheating but evidently not.

And go where exactly?

 

[RealStateBird]

And go where exactly?

B12 would work

 

[CardX]

And go where exactly?

Back to independence. Play Texas one week, Kentucky Wesleyan the next. Finish 10-2 but no invite because no conference affiliations. I mean, why not?

 

[2330859]

B12 is not the answer; getting “Clemson level talent” is the way to rise above any ACC bias. The ACC officiating is as bad as what most of us have noted in these threads, but I do not believe it is as much about UL geography, or it’s urban status. We need to become relevant, as I have witnessed other ACC schools being penalized more when competing with Clemson, ND, FSU and the other conference teams that have some National relevance, and the potential for larger Bowl eligibility.

 

[CardHack]

I think people need to reassess the officiating; it's only bad if it is incompetent. ACC officiating very clearly is there to provide protection to certain brands with Clemson on the peripheral of playoff contention being one, and we clearly saw Wake Forest protected in the first half of our game against them when they were ranked 10th. Once they started getting steamrolled that went by the boards. I haven't watched UNC this year, but I suspect they'd get a little benefit of the doubt in a competitive game.

 

[KozmasAgain]

The Big 12 is not the answer they are hanging on by a thread. I agree the officiating in the ACC is bad and needs to be improved. There were 2 calls that were blatantly not called that had an effect on the game. They were also way out in the open for everyone to see including the refs. I am glad the announcer on TV called it out and they showed replays.

 

[rentalman]

Cooley had a loss in his family, someone close to him. Don’t know details but that’s what the personal reason is.

Thanks for the info.

 

[ReincarnatedJungleTiger]

Sure hope he can go against NCST. That is a winnable game with MC, it's not without him.

No faith In Brock?

 

[rentalman]

No faith In Brock?

He has done some good things. NCST has a very good defense and I think his lack of mobility will be a problem.

 

[KozmasAgain]

I think Brock has done well especially on the passing game. He is a step slow and the offensive line needs to provide better protection. I think UNCST and sUcK will both try to exploit that.

 

[BPGhost]

Back to independence. Play Texas one week, Kentucky Wesleyan the next. Finish 10-2 but no invite because no conference affiliations. I mean, why not?

Literally millions ($) of reasons why that’s not a great plan. Though I know you were being sarcastic.

 

[BPGhost]

B12 would work

I guess the question is - why do you think that as the new kid on the block, the officiating would be less biased in favor of those established B12 teams? Seem to recall lots of complaining by the mountainqueers about being on the short end of the same stick.

 

[BPGhost]

I think Brock has done well especially on the passing game. He is a step slow and the offensive line needs to provide better protection. I think UNCST and sUcK will both try to exploit that.

I’m more concerned about the yuts looking at the Clemson tape and the success they had with the qb draws as a way to counteract UofL’s pressure. Their new OC hasn’t utilized it much but as we saw last year - when healthy, levis is a more than capable runner. Might need to have a spy on him for that game.

 

[CardX]

I’m more concerned about the yuts looking at the Clemson tape and the success they had with the qb draws as a way to counteract UofL’s pressure. Their new OC hasn’t utilized it much but as we saw last year - when healthy, levis is a more than capable runner. Might need to have a spy on him for that game.

Well, Levis may not be available after UGA this weekend.

 

[BPGhost]

Well, Levis may not be available after UGA this weekend.

Excellent point - though and I say this begrudgingly because I think he's super douchey - he's a pretty tough kid. Been getting hammered (a lot of it his fault) all season and has only missed one game. Besides of late, hasn't mattered much who they have had take snaps against UofL.

 

[KozmasAgain]

I hope our coaching staff is super prepared for our final 2 games. Since we are at the end of the year and there is plenty of film on all teams involved we should be ready defensively. Offensively I hope we have a few tricks up our sleeve to knock both of our final opponents off balance.

 

[earsky]

I’m more concerned about the yuts looking at the Clemson tape and the success they had with the qb draws as a way to counteract UofL’s pressure. Their new OC hasn’t utilized it much but as we saw last year - when healthy, levis is a more than capable runner. Might need to have a spy on him for that game.

It was just that play- the draw that they were running. I don't think I could take another game like that one. Hell, if we have to lose,anybody but Levis.

 

[Kommonwealth]

Are the ACC refs the reason for every close loss? Serious question, I know sometimes things go against you but is it just a convenient excuse? Wouldn't the reverse of that claim go in your favor if you win?

Can someone provide a quick recap of 5 recent year ACC losses solely based on the refs. I guess we'll start with Saturday and that Wake game ( I remember that one). How about the other 7 losses to Clemson? 5 losses to FSU? How about in Houston in 2016...you were in the playoff race and went on the road in a neutral game with ACC refs at your aid...why did they not pull some strings to help you win to prop up the ACC's chances of 2 playoff team?

 

[Rollem Cards]

I think BD will run the WHOLE playbook. I hope the RBs get healthy so THEY can run the ball.

And I expect the receiving corps to work harder and get open because they know BD WILL LOOK FOR THEM.

NCST will have to defend the whole field, not just contain MC and force him to pass.

 

[ReincarnatedJungleTiger]

Are the ACC refs the reason for every close loss? Serious question, I know sometimes things go against you but is it just a convenient excuse? Wouldn't the reverse of that claim go in your favor if you win?

Can someone provide a quick recap of 5 recent year ACC losses solely based on the refs. I guess we'll start with Saturday and that Wake game ( I remember that one). How about the other 7 losses to Clemson? 5 losses to FSU? How about in Houston in 2016...you were in the playoff race and went on the road in a neutral game with ACC refs at your aid...why did they not pull some strings to help you win to prop up the ACC's chances of 2 playoff team?

I think that Louisville would have lost regardless, but Clemson is a special exception. Their DB’s are especially physical and they get away with a lot of holds and physicality downfield. I actually think it has hurt Clemson in the postseason at times as other conferences don’t allow them to get away with as much as they do in-conference.

 

[TheRealVille]

Are the ACC refs the reason for every close loss? Serious question, I know sometimes things go against you but is it just a convenient excuse? Wouldn't the reverse of that claim go in your favor if you win?

Can someone provide a quick recap of 5 recent year ACC losses solely based on the refs. I guess we'll start with Saturday and that Wake game ( I remember that one). How about the other 7 losses to Clemson? 5 losses to FSU? How about in Houston in 2016...you were in the playoff race and went on the road in a neutral game with ACC refs at your aid...why did they not pull some strings to help you win to prop up the ACC's chances of 2 playoff team?

You don't know what you're talking about. Cards fans are not blaming every close loss on refs. But against Clemson, it's blatantly obvious somethings going on. It can't always just be coincidence.

Usually in a game there may be one or two key calls go against your team but that's normal because it's a hard game to officiate. But this past game against Clemson, there were 7 to 8 just blatant bad officiating that went Clemson's way.

The ESPN announcers were lamenting the disparity in the flags especially in the 4th quarter when the last offensive pass interference call on Louisville brought a "unbelievable" comment.

And Louisville fans know this is not just something that happens to them. There's plenty of precedent of officials appearing to favor one team over another. Football more than any other sport.

 

[KozmasAgain]

All I want is the refs to make calls based on the rules and do it on both sides of the ball. The 2 most obvious penalties that were not called were in full view of everyone including the refs. The announcers for the game called out the bad calls and showed multiple replays of them.
It is not like it didn’t happen and I don’t know if it effected the outcome of the game. The non call on pass interference that would have been a TD would of put Louisville within 7 points. The face mask penalty would of been 15 yards and aided a much needed drive. All I want the refs to do is make the calls based on the rules.

 

[KozmasAgain]

I mean we’re not like sUcK fans who blame every loss in basketball on the refs and give the refs death threats.

 

[BPGhost]

Are the ACC refs the reason for every close loss? Serious question, I know sometimes things go against you but is it just a convenient excuse? Wouldn't the reverse of that claim go in your favor if you win?

Can someone provide a quick recap of 5 recent year ACC losses solely based on the refs. I guess we'll start with Saturday and that Wake game ( I remember that one). How about the other 7 losses to Clemson? 5 losses to FSU? How about in Houston in 2016...you were in the playoff race and went on the road in a neutral game with ACC refs at your aid...why did they not pull some strings to help you win to prop up the ACC's chances of 2 playoff team?

Lol - the level of salt on the Liar board has gotten so high, yut dipshits are trying to escape it by trolling here. You have bigger - I mean fatter - problems to deal with Cletus. Instead of trying to annoy us, you should be putting a for sale sign in Porky Stupes’ front yard. Or, leaving fake reviews on roofing company websites. Or, brushing your tooth.

Run along now little guy. 🤡

 

[Kommonwealth]

Lol - the level of salt on the Liar board has gotten so high, yut dipshits are trying to escape it by trolling here. You have bigger - I mean fatter - problems to deal with Cletus. Instead of trying to annoy us, you should be putting a for sale sign in Porky Stupes’ front yard. Or, leaving fake reviews on roofing company websites. Or, brushing your tooth.

Run along now little guy. 🤡

Thanks for answering the question, you made a heckuva point.

 

[Kommonwealth]

You don't know what you're talking about. Cards fans are not blaming every close loss on refs. But against Clemson, it's blatantly obvious somethings going on. It can't always just be coincidence.

Usually in a game there may be one or two key calls go against your team but that's normal because it's a hard game to officiate. But this past game against Clemson, there were 7 to 8 just blatant bad officiating that went Clemson's way.

The ESPN announcers were lamenting the disparity in the flags especially in the 4th quarter when the last offensive pass interference call on Louisville brought a "unbelievable" comment.

And Louisville fans know this is not just something that happens to them. There's plenty of precedent of officials appearing to favor one team over another. Football more than any other sport.

I agree that the PI on Shipley wasnt really a PI and the last phantom offensive PI was absurd...but it didnt matter at that point. I actually do recall some bellowing in the Lamar-Watson battle in 2016 but to say its a pattern of concern and to think there is something to it is probably not accurate.

I do agree the better teams seem to get the key calls when it matters and maybe thats human nature....similar to basketball officials calling a key block/charge thats usually the result of one team's scoring run or the home environment.

 

[TheRealVille]

I agree that the PI on Shipley wasnt really a PI and the last phantom offensive PI was absurd...but it didnt matter at that point. I actually do recall some bellowing in the Lamar-Watson battle in 2016 but to say its a pattern of concern and to think there is something to it is probably not accurate.

I do agree the better teams seem to get the key calls when it matters and maybe thats human nature....similar to basketball officials calling a key block/charge thats usually the result of one team's scoring run or the home environment.

All I know is most Cards fans anticipate what we saw against Clemson because it's happened multiple times. That's why it frustrates me so much. Nothing is being done because no one wants to believe it.

Plus nobody cares what happens to University of Louisville sports these days.

 

[2330859]

Most everyone has conceded that Clemson was likely the winner regardless of the officiating; however anyone witnessing that contest must acknowledge there were two (2) horrible calls and one (1) no call that went against UL and affected the game. It was no coincidence that each occurred at times when UL was in position to close the difference in the score.

The ACC and it’s officiating crew can take credit for Clemson jumping up into the polls as a result of the final score, as I believe they moved up 3 spots and back into the Top Ten.

 

[KozmasAgain]

Even the announcer called out saying not making those calls gives the fans something to complain about.

 

[earsky]

Even the announcer called out saying not making those calls gives the fans something to complain about.

Yeah, we don't incessantly whine about the officiating, but damn give us some equal footing to compete for a victory.
I mean every fan of this program over here knew going in that it was gonna take a flawless game,top to bottom. The coaches were gonna have to call all the right plays and have the right defensive schemes,guys were gonna have to make every tackle,block, execute,etc. We all knew it would take a near perfect performance. All we're saying about this one is even with all that,there's not enough even footing that would have allowed the Cards a victory had they done so. THAT'S what was evident watching this group of zebras.