Louisville defense...

[zipp]

A little too much anxiety at this point about our defense IMO. There's not enough consideration for the teams we have played and their schemes. Both Brohm and Fedora are offensive guys who will execute to some degree offensively against anyone.

Carolina posted 538 yards last year AT FSU. They had 401 yards on Saturday.

WKU and UNC averaged 481 ypg last year combined. Purdue and UNC averaged 373 ypg against U of L this year.

Look for our defense to start faring better against teams that don't rely on their offenses to win, starting with Clemson. Follow that with a couple of cupcakes, and you'll have the makings of an improving defense--or at least one that looks the part...

 

[KerryRhodes]

Just like with offensive packages, i imagine Petrino had Sirmon hold back some defensive packages for Clemson.

 

[fencebusters]

Just like with offensive packages, i imagine Petrino had Sirmon hold back some defensive packages for Clemson.

I really wouldn't expect yall's defense to fare better against Clemson. Dabo went to a lot of vanilla play calling in the second half after we went up 14-6, and basically turned the game over to the defense. UNC was replacing pretty much ALL their skill players on offense and y'all still gave up 35. This game is hard to call, I can see a 38-31 type of game.

 

[CardsFirst]

Just like with offensive packages, i imagine Petrino had Sirmon hold back some defensive packages for Clemson.

I really wouldn't expect yall's defense to fare better against Clemson. Dabo went to a lot of vanilla play calling in the second half after we went up 14-6, and basically turned the game over to the defense. UNC was replacing pretty much ALL their skill players on offense and y'all still gave up 35. This game is hard to call, I can see a 38-31 type of game.

Oh it's going to be close. The previous 3 games have been. I expect the same. Cardinal Stadium will be crazy. Lots of fun.

 

[KerryRhodes]

I really wouldn't expect yall's defense to fare better against Clemson. Dabo went to a lot of vanilla play calling in the second half after we went up 14-6, and basically turned the game over to the defense. UNC was replacing pretty much ALL their skill players on offense and y'all still gave up 35. This game is hard to call, I can see a 38-31 type of game.

If not the Cards will just have to outscore Clemson, much like Clemson giving up 36 to the Cards and still winning.

3-0 or 50-45, i'll take either one.

UofL's defense only gave up 28 to Unc. 7 was scored on a KO touchdown.

 

[MDCardsFan]

If Louisville offense scores in the high 30s or 40s, they will win. This years Clemson team can't go toe to toe in offense, they will play to try to keep it low scoring.

 

[KozmasAgain]

14-6 against Auburn is not a score Dabo goes vanilla on that game went down to the 4th quarter. Dabo was using anything he could to secure the victory.

 

[Morgantown Card]

A little too much anxiety at this point about our defense IMO. There's not enough consideration for the teams we have played and their schemes. Both Brohm and Fedora are offensive guys who will execute to some degree offensively against anyone.

Carolina posted 538 yards last year AT FSU. They had 401 yards on Saturday.

WKU and UNC averaged 481 ypg last year combined. Purdue and UNC averaged 373 ypg against U of L this year.

Look for our defense to start faring better against teams that don't rely on their offenses to win, starting with Clemson. Follow that with a couple of cupcakes, and you'll have the makings of an improving defense--or at least one that looks the part...

 

[CardLaw]

14-6 against Auburn is not a score Dabo goes vanilla on that game went down to the 4th quarter. Dabo was using anything he could to secure the victory.

I would not read too much into the Auburn game for anything.

Offensively Auburn is nothing like UL. This year Auburn is pretty much a downhill running type offense with a pro-style QB. Clemson's Defense proved more than adequate to the task against that style. It helped that Stidham was making only his 5th career start and Pettway was nicked up. UL has a completely different attack which may or may not be something Clemson can handle. Their front seven is for real. Just ask Auburn.

Defensively, Auburn is much more stout that UL. For the most part lanes were just not available for Clemson to exploit and Auburn's front seven pretty much controlled the LOS. I doubt UL can manage as well so I expect UL to blitz much more than Auburn did to shoot running gaps or get pressure on the QB.

I am sold on Clemson's Defense, but not at all on their Offense. The reverse is true regarding UL. I can see this game being 35-31 or 21-17. I can also see this game turning on a special teams blunder - as opposed to ST making a play. The one thing I do not anticipate is a blow out. So that is probably what will occur.

 

[Senore2006]

The Cardinal run defense is exceptionally good. It always has been. Last season it was top 10 and I don't believe that is a first, and that was against Gallman and Cook. This season, we are #2, giving up 38 yards a game. If Clemson wants to invest in believing their offense will keep their defense off the field, that's a sucker bet. Typically, the way to score against Louisville is the deep ball and those drives - if successful or not - wrap up quickly. We have a similar tendency - scoring quickly - which is why our Defensive Coordinator is playing 20 different guys on defense per game.

Under rate our defense at your peril. I look for one of the best statistical games of the season for the D. Turnovers, special teams and QB play above all else will determine thus ballgame. Certainly not defense.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Dabo went to a lot of vanilla play calling in the second half after we went up 14-6, and basically turned the game over to the defense.

Yeah, cause he don't trust his offense, y'all.

 

[Rollem Cards]

I hope their players are as (over) confidant as their fans.

2014 they score ZERO (0) offensive TD'sand 2 TD's total - a punt return and a fumble return, and beat us by 6.

2015 they win by 3 when our "world class sprinter" gets caught from behind and the clock runs out inside their 5.

2016 our "world class sprinter" runs OB on 4th down inside the 10. (Is their a pattern here?)

So, in three games they win by 15 points, one by sheer $#!thouse luck, and they are talking trash? I'm beginning to think (as we've been told by several people) their fans are not the saints we've painted them.

As far as this one goes I think we have three things going for
1. We historically play them close
2. We have Lamar, and
3. Our "world class sprinter" is gone.

 

[gocds]

Our offense is far, far better than Auburn's. Dabo has to know that our offensive options will present problems for his defense. If they hold us to 14 or 17 points we are in deep doo doo but that isn't going to happen. Our defense will decide our fate, not our offense.

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

 

[tluck28]

I hope their players are as (over) confidant as their fans.

2014 they score ZERO (0) offensive TD'sand 2 TD's total - a punt return and a fumble return, and beat us by 6.



2015 they win by 3 when our "world class sprinter" gets caught from behind and the clock runs out inside their 5.

2016 our "world class sprinter" runs OB on 4th down inside the 10. (Is their a pattern here?)

So, in three games they win by 15 points, one by sheer $#!thouse luck, and they are talking trash? I'm beginning to think (as we've been told by several people) their fans are not the saints we've painted them.

As far as this one goes I think we have three things going for
1. We historically play them close
2. We have Lamar, and
3. Our "world class sprinter" is gone.

what do expect them to say? " guys we are going to lose to you " they are the defending champs.

 

[Rollem Cards]

I expect them to come to our board with some grace, and respect instead of arrogance.

Their play against us does not merit arrogance.

 

[LouisvilleKid79]

I hope their players are as (over) confidant as their fans.

I'm beginning to think (as we've been told by several people) their fans are not the saints we've painted them.

Their fans and radio guys are over confident for sure. If you want more evidence for yourself, tune into 105.5 The Roar. I did this last year at times during game week and doing it again this year. It's always nice to get a feel for what the opposition is saying about our team and the game.

I listen to Drew Deener consistently speak highly of their fans. Don't fall for the okey doke. You can see it in their post here on this board and listen to it on their radio broadcast. It's fake affirmation of Lamar/Louisville, fake southern charm and complete disrespect or looking down on the Louisville football program until we beat them... we still may not get respect even if we beat them.

I'm tired of hearing about Clemson and their defense. The Cards owe them one.

I agree with thought that the Cards D will play one of their best games of the season. I think they will play a little more aggressive and will be flying to the ball.

 

[ciswilldean3215]

Part of the defensive side of the ball issues are Tru Washington. Plain and simple. I've been a Louisville fan for 30 years and can't remember a player who gets more consistently beat than him(maybe Antonio Roundtree?). He is constantly sought out and found as a weak spot by opposing coordinators as well. In this game last year, he was constantly picked on and continued to give up big play after big play. Not much has changed this year. Give the young guys a chance, tired of seeing 15 get beat all the time. Just my thoughts boys, enjoy Saturday! Going to be a big win! Go Cards!

 

[Rollem Cards]

Part of the defensive side of the ball issues are Tru Washington. Plain and simple. I've been a Louisville fan for 30 years and can't remember a player who gets more consistently beat than him(maybe Antonio Roundtree?). He is constantly sought out and found as a weak spot by opposing coordinators as well. In this game last year, he was constantly picked on and continued to give up big play after big play. Not much has changed this year. Give the young guys a chance, tired of seeing 15 get beat all the time. Just my thoughts boys, enjoy Saturday! Going to be a big win! Go Cards!

Be careful what you wish for....

Seems the young guys can't cover OR tackle. At least TW is a good tackler.

 

[BionicTiger]

Our offense is far, far better than Auburn's. Dabo has to know that our offensive options will present problems for his defense. If they hold us to 14 or 17 points we are in deep doo doo but that isn't going to happen. Our defense will decide our fate, not our offense.

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

Of course they are. I don't think anyone is disputing that. Jackson will get his. The defense has to limit him if Clemson is going to have a shot at winning. He's too good and too athletic, and Petrino is too good at manufacturing yards with playcalling for Clemson to shut UL down the way they did Auburn. That said, this is the best front Jackson will have faced. What that means, we won't know until roughly midnight on Saturday.

The onus will definitely be on the offenses on Saturday night. UL is going to need a really good game against arguably the best defense in the country. And, Clemson will need a breakout game on offense. If offensive production isn't much better than last week, the defense is going to get gassed, and Clemson likely gets blown out. Clemson will get a lot more shots against UL though. Auburn played to limit possessions and grind out a win. That isn't UL's style, so both teams will have a lot of opportunities on offense - see last year's game.

 

[fencebusters]

I expect them to come to our board with some grace, and respect instead of arrogance.

Their play against us does not merit arrogance.

You're mistaking confidence for arrogance. Auburn has a tough TOUGH front seven and are hard to run on. Someone boasted about Louisville's run defense, yet, no mention of the pass defense. Someone mentioned Stidham making "only his 5th start", yet Bryant was making only his 2nd start. I said I could see a 38-31 type of game, but I didn't say who would win. Referring to last year's game, "y'all" had the benefit of 5 turnovers, 3 of them coming in the 3rd giving UL the opportunity to get back in it, and in Jackson fashion, they did. Not a single Clemson player, coach or fan DOESNT hold their breath when Jackson has the ball in his hands. I do know there are 7 nasty defensive players looking to corral him. My apologies if I don't come over here waving the white flag. That's a coot trait.

 

[BionicTiger]

Bit unrelated to this thread - But, how is Mickey Crum looking? I felt sure that kid was going to be a stud after the Thursday night Clemson game in Louisville a couple years back. Seems like he disappeared last year. Injury?

 

[flyercard]

Bit unrelated to this thread - But, how is Mickey Crum looking? I felt sure that kid was going to be a stud after the Thursday night Clemson game in Louisville a couple years back. Seems like he disappeared last year. Injury?

Crum is alternating with another experienced tight end, and has played well in the first two games. Last years starting tight end was an pass catching wonder who has graduated.

 

[BionicTiger]

Crum is alternating with another experienced tight end, and has played well in the first two games. Last years starting tight end was an pass catching wonder who has graduated.

Yeah. I know Hikutini was great last year. I just remember coming away from that game two years ago thinking Crum would be a stud. He was a freshman IIRC and played nasty that game. And then he seemed to disappear which was surprising.

 

[CardLaw]

You're mistaking confidence for arrogance. Auburn has a tough TOUGH front seven and are hard to run on. Someone boasted about Louisville's run defense, yet, no mention of the pass defense. Someone mentioned Stidham making "only his 5th start", yet Bryant was making only his 2nd start. I said I could see a 38-31 type of game, but I didn't say who would win. Referring to last year's game, "y'all" had the benefit of 5 turnovers, 3 of them coming in the 3rd giving UL the opportunity to get back in it, and in Jackson fashion, they did. Not a single Clemson player, coach or fan DOESNT hold their breath when Jackson has the ball in his hands. I do know there are 7 nasty defensive players looking to corral him. My apologies if I don't come over here waving the white flag. That's a coot trait.

It was me who mentioned Stidham's inexperience. But I agree that Bryant has a lot of seasoning to go as well. Inexperience is certainly a factor in both QB's missing some plays downfield. But, the two defenses had a lot to say which cannot be ignored.

My essential point was that Louisville fans can't learn much off the Auburn game or get much of a handle on what to expect based on it. Louisville and Auburn are two completely different animals offensively and defensively.

I also don't think there is much to learn from last year (or any prior year). If last year is relevant at all, then Oklahoma has no shot going into Columbus to play Ohio State. Oh, wait ...

 

[thmccl11]

Their fans and radio guys are over confident for sure. If you want more evidence for yourself, tune into 105.5 The Roar. I did this last year at times during game week and doing it again this year. It's always nice to get a feel for what the opposition is saying about our team and the game.

I listen to Drew Deener consistently speak highly of their fans. Don't fall for the okey doke. You can see it in their post here on this board and listen to it on their radio broadcast. It's fake affirmation of Lamar/Louisville, fake southern charm and complete disrespect or looking down on the Louisville football program until we beat them... we still may not get respect even if we beat them.

I'm tired of hearing about Clemson and their defense. The Cards owe them one.

I agree with thought that the Cards D will play one of their best games of the season. I think they will play a little more aggressive and will be flying to the ball.

Clemson fan base as a whole respects Louisville. You'll have those few in all fan bases that are just out there. I know I respect Louisville program. I surely respect Jackson as the best offensive player in football and the fact he has one of the best offensive minds in the game leading him is a dangerous combination.

I saw this game as our biggest hurdle at the beginning of the year and still do feel that way. But I'm still very confident we will win the game though. I mean we are the defending champs, have won 34 of our last 36 games which includes 3 straight against Louisville. Of course I'm confident that my team will win the same way your confident your team will win. Doesn't mean we as fanbases are disrespectful to each other because we are confident in our teams.

 

[Senore2006]

I read all this about the miracle of how "5 turnovers" somehow slipped Clemson into this "uncharacteristic mediocrity" which allowed Louisnille to make big gains offensively.

It leads to an obvious question which I have not yet seen a Clemson fan ask - who the hell do you think caused those turnovers? Surely not the pitiful and outclassed set of 3 stars on UofL's defense!! Jaire simply took a touchdown away from All World Williams on one of them - was that luck?

The narrative suffers from a lacuna of common sense, yet, there it stands, ha ha. "We would have won big had Lamar not been the beneficiary of our turnovers, tiring out our defense and stuff!!" Gee, I guess that was part of your excellent game plan.

 

[thmccl11]

I read all this about the miracle of how "5 turnovers" somehow slipped Clemson into this "uncharacteristic mediocrity" which allowed Louisnille to make big gains offensively.

It leads to an obvious question which I have not yet seen a Clemson fan ask - who the hell do you think caused those turnovers? Surely not the pitiful and outclassed set of 3 stars on UofL's defense!! Jaire simply took a touchdown away from All World Williams on one of them - was that luck?

The narrative suffers from a lacuna of common sense, yet, there it stands, ha ha. "We would have won big had Lamar not been the beneficiary of our turnovers, tiring out our defense and stuff!!" Gee, I guess that was part of your excellent game plan.

Louisville caused most of those turnovers. A couple were strictly on Watson making horrible passes. Fact still remains you had 5 turnovers and the heisman trophy winner and still lost. You ended up losing a few more times last year while we went on to the playoffs. Simple put we where the better team and we proved it in the game and as the season went on.

New season, new teams. I like where we are as a team and I'm sure you like where you are. Hoping for a great game this year as well. It's good for college football and it's good for our conference to have games like last years. Hoping this year though we get to finish it with a kneel down!!! No more last second 4th downs (unless it's us on the wrong end of the scoreboard!!)

 

[TheRealVille]

I don't get this Louisville hasn't seen a defense like this. Well, we did at Clemson last year and fared quite well offensively. And that Clemson team had Bouleware.

Both all everything DL stars for the Tigers played against the Cards as well. And the Louisville offense is actually better this year with an improved and huge OL as well as a improved Heisman winner. The Cards always reload at WR and the 3 man unit of Smith, Dawkins and Fitzpatrick are as good as any college team out there.

So it's not like the Cards haven't played a big game against a talented defense. The expert pundits were talking the same thing last year during the week before the FSU game. All I heard was the Seminoles have some dudes on defense.

Well, so do the Cards.

 

[vegasville1]

I really wouldn't expect yall's defense to fare better against Clemson. Dabo went to a lot of vanilla play calling in the second half after we went up 14-6, and basically turned the game over to the defense. UNC was replacing pretty much ALL their skill players on offense and y'all still gave up 35. This game is hard to call, I can see a 38-31 type of game.

Winning a championship often breeds a slight air or arrogance , but playing vanilla on offense vs a ranked SEC team that can help your team to the CFP is simply not being objective.

 

[Cardinal Cash]

I really wouldn't expect yall's defense to fare better against Clemson. Dabo went to a lot of vanilla play calling in the second half after we went up 14-6, and basically turned the game over to the defense. UNC was replacing pretty much ALL their skill players on offense and y'all still gave up 35. This game is hard to call, I can see a 38-31 type of game.

Technically the defense only gave up 28 pts. We gave up a kick return TD.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

A little too much anxiety at this point about our defense IMO. There's not enough consideration for the teams we have played and their schemes. Both Brohm and Fedora are offensive guys who will execute to some degree offensively against anyone.

Carolina posted 538 yards last year AT FSU. They had 401 yards on Saturday.

WKU and UNC averaged 481 ypg last year combined. Purdue and UNC averaged 373 ypg against U of L this year.

Look for our defense to start faring better against teams that don't rely on their offenses to win, starting with Clemson. Follow that with a couple of cupcakes, and you'll have the makings of an improving defense--or at least one that looks the part...

The defense has it's share of team speed. There are some play makers out there. When Alexander is on the field the unit is good enough to keep the team in the game, or help win the game. But in games he's not playing the secondary is just up against it and will struggle to stop legit offenses.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Technically the defense only gave up 28 pts. We gave up a kick return TD.

I love our guys effort but even 28 against a team starting an unproven FR and then shuffling in a 5th yr SR outcast with no confidence whatsoever is probably a little too many points.

Plenty of room to improve, and they can.

 

[BionicTiger]

I don't get this Louisville hasn't seen a defense like this. Well, we did at Clemson last year and fared quite well offensively. And that Clemson team had Bouleware.

Both all everything DL stars for the Tigers played against the Cards as well. And the Louisville offense is actually better this year with an improved and huge OL as well as a improved Heisman winner. The Cards always reload at WR and the 3 man unit of Smith, Dawkins and Fitzpatrick are as good as any college team out there.

So it's not like the Cards haven't played a big game against a talented defense. The expert pundits were talking the same thing last year during the week before the FSU game. All I heard was the Seminoles have some dudes on defense.

Well, so do the Cards.

Totally different defense. How good they are remains to be seen. Saturday is a huge test, for sure.

 

[zipp]

Louisville will score but not at the clip we're accustomed to, probably around 30 points. The game will come down to special teams play, mistakes, and how well the Clemson offense can execute...

 

[LouisvilleKid79]

The Cards have struggled to get pressure on the QB and cover down the field in their first 2 games, but this defense has shown at times they can play well and make key plays.

Clemson is playing with a 'young or inexperienced' QB playing in his first true road game with crowd noise and a defense that I expect will show some different coverages/packages they have not shown yet.

You have to think this defense is going to pick their spots to be more aggressive at home and attempt to apply or get more pressure on the QB. Maybe not.

Keyword is discipline. That goes for both sides of the ball.

I really think the defense is going to play well enough on Saturday.

 

[gocds]

Technically the defense only gave up 28 pts. We gave up a kick return TD.

In reality, the defense gave up 21 points. The last TD was a garbage time TD. Plus, even though the Clemson qb is a good runner, the NC QBs were better passers.

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

 

[Morgantown Card]

A related sidenote: Deshaun Watson will start at QB tomorrow night for the Houston Texas @ Cincinnati Bengals. PacMan Jones is gonna beat down a MFer. Who Dey?!?!?!

 

[thmccl11]

In reality, the defense gave up 21 points. The last TD was a garbage time TD. Plus, even though the Clemson qb is a good runner, the NC QBs were better passers.

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

I'm sorry, we don't know what Bryant has yet. He has made some great throws so far but any clemson fan will tell you he is still green when it comes to game experience. One thing I have to say though is that in no way should a sentence that has the words better passers in it include Brandon Harris name in it. I can promise you Bryant is a better passer than Harris along with about every other QB in power 5 conferences.

 

[Cue Card]

Two games isn't enough of a sample to really tell how good UofL's offense or defense is. I do think it's safe to say Clemson has an elite defense. IDK much about the Clemson offense; other than it's really hard to replace a great QB like Watson and not miss a beat. I guess we'll find out the answers to all these questions come Saturday night.

 

[topdecktiger]

I read all this about the miracle of how "5 turnovers" somehow slipped Clemson into this "uncharacteristic mediocrity" which allowed Louisnille to make big gains offensively.

The point about the turnovers is that it was 28-10 at halftime. Clemson had to be playing pretty good defense to get that lead.