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Louisville Football: Expectations Should be Higher for This Upcoming Season

By Madison Wood

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The years since Petrino’s return to Louisville football have been slightly underwhelming. No one wants to get their hopes up that “this is the year” Bobby Ball makes its return to The Ville. A lot of fans are lowering their expectations heading into this season, but that would be a mistake.

Related Story: Revamped Secondary Could Steal Spotlight for Cards

After a 2016 season that produced a Heisman winner and had the Cards knocking on the door of the College Football Playoff, it’s no surprise why last season was a disappointment to many. Lamar Jackson’s return along with other key players back on both sides of the ball had lots of people thinking a huge season was on the way.

But the young offensive line struggled, injuries forced inexperienced players into action too soon, and the defense quite frankly… SUCKED. (We’ll blame 80% of that on Peter Sirmon). It was a tough pill to swallow for Card Nation watching such transcendent talent in Lamar Jackson be essentially wasted.

But what about Jawon Pass? It’s as if most of the fan base forgot how excited we were when we landed him. He’s set to lead the Cards against defending champion Alabama opening night, when it could have been the other way around. And Pass is the epitome of a Petrino quarterback, playing right into the system of “Bobby Ball” we’re all so fond of.
But what about Jawon Pass? It’s as if most of the fan base forgot how excited we were when we landed him. He’s set to lead the Cards against defending champion Alabama opening night, when it could have been the other way around. And Pass is the epitome of a Petrino quarterback, playing right into the system of “Bobby Ball” we’re all so fond of. /

I know everyone hates using youth as an excuse, but in this case it’s a pretty valid one. Outside of Lamar Jackson, Reggie Bonnafon (who was learning an entirely new position) and the few veteran guys that didn’t get injured on defense, freshmen were a huge presence on the field last year.

This time around, we have experience all over the field. Guys who have played meaningful minutes in big games will be suiting up again, and this time they’ll be ready – Pass included.

It’s gonna be all eyes on Pass because lets face it, filling Lamar Jackson’s shoes will be no easy feat. But make no mistake, Petrino has been waiting to unleash Puma on all of CFB.

But What about Defense?

It’s no secret that especially after last season, some of the biggest questions are on defense. With Louisville hiring their second straight new defensive coordinator,  we’re all wondering “could it possibly be any worse?” This has led many to believe that ANY semblance of improvement is expectation enough. But is it?

New coordinator Brian VanGorder has plenty of experience and success at the college and professional level. Besides that, the Cards have some real playmakers who are hungry to make an impact. Guys we know like Jon Greenard, Dorian Etheridge, and the young gun who could be in for a breakout year, Russ Yeast.

What about the names that aren’t so prominent? G.G Robinson, Jared Goldwire, and Boosie Whitlow? Robinson showed significant improvement last year in extended playing time. Goldwire held a scholarship offer from Alabama before committing to Louisville, and Whitlow played SEC football at South Carolina before transferring.

Robinson was the only player of the three to see playing time last season, but bet all of these guys are hungry to showcase their talent. A big misconception around the fanbase is that we just don’t have the talent to compete. That simply isn’t true. Even the guys I had to point out to you, who you couldn’t name off the top of your head – they are big-time players, who not only have the skills, but also invaluable experience that will help the Cards immensely this year.
Robinson was the only player of the three to see playing time last season, but bet all of these guys are hungry to showcase their talent. A big misconception around the fanbase is that we just don’t have the talent to compete. That simply isn’t true. Even the guys I had to point out to you, who you couldn’t name off the top of your head – they are big-time players, who not only have the skills, but also invaluable experience that will help the Cards immensely this year. /

I’m not here to give you stats and comparisons. I’m here to tell you that even with departures of guys like Jaire Alexander, Chucky Williams and Stacy Thomas, this defense is full of highly skilled players who are ready to show the Ville what they’ve got. And if you were worried about the secondary, go check out Presley Meyer’s piece on those dudes who are just plain ready to ball out.

Our Offensive Weapons are Elite

We all saw last season glimpses of what Jaylen Smith, Seth Dawkins, and Dez Fitzpatrick were able to do with the ball in their hands. Smith was third in the ACC in receiving yards, and Dez recorded almost 700 yards and 9 TD’s in his first year. With Puma Pass in the pocket, expect them to be utilized to their fullest extent possible.

The size, speed, and athleticism of these receivers rival any group in the country. They are largely being overlooked in the national media. All of college football is going to see just how dangerous they are – especially playing with a chip on their shoulder.

As far as the young offensive line, they showed flashes of greatness, even while protecting one of the hardest to block for QB’s in the country. If news around the city holds true, O-Line coach Mike Summers has them on track to be a strength for the team this year.

The running back position was lacking for the Cards last season. Reggie Bonnafon performed admirably after being thrust into a new position, and Dae Williams showed his elite ability in moments all while fighting through injury.

Williams is who I believe will be the starter week one – his combination of strength, power, and speed is too lethal to not be on the field as much as possible. How can any of us forget the game at Florida State, when he burst through the gap, shed a tackler like he was nothing, and exploded 20-plus yards to the end zone? He also ran all over UK. And that was when he wasn’t fully healthy.

Colin Wilson should be the featured back behind Williams. We only saw Wilson for a few moments before he was injured, but what stood out in those moments? Electrifying speed. This guy is almost impossible to stop once he kicks it into another gear. Power and speed, Williams and Wilson will be a deadly one-two punch for the opposition.

The tight end position should be a strength for the Cards as well. Veteran Mickey Crum, transfer Jordan Davis, and sophomore Kemari Averett should all see significant minutes now that Petrino can get back into running his brand of offense. All are talented players capable of making plays themselves, as well as making their teammates better.

We’ve had talented players before, and we’ve gotten our hopes up before, so what’s the point of all this? The point is some of us seem to have forgotten that Bobby Petrino is an offensive genius. Jawon Pass, all the weapons at wideout, and the powerful runners set to take the backfield ALL play into what he does best – light up the scoreboard.

Only this time around, the running game will wear down the opponents defense (while giving our defense much needed rest), leaving those opportunities open for Pass to light it up downfield. Bobby Ball 2.0 will be even better than the original. Of course there’s still learning and work to be done. But this year we have the perfect storm of talent, experience, hunger, and toughness.

Next: Get to Know the Louisville Football Opponent: Alabama Crimson Tide

No one is more amped up than the players to get the season started. Those of you lowering your expectations, and who are already preparing yourself for a week one blowout? Bring that same energy when the Cards show up to play in a big way.

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