The Louisville football program will get their season underway on September 1st in Orlando against the defending National Champion, Alabama Crimson Tide. The Big Red Louie team takes a look at the offense in week two of a four part round table series.
Louisville football’s offense projects to be one of the best units in the country yet again in 2018. Returning a strong core of offensive linemen, outstanding wide receivers, and a stud quarterback waiting in the wings, expectations are high for the offense.
Four of BRL’s bloggers weigh in on some of the most pressing issues going into the season.
What do you expect out of Jawon “Puma” Pass this year as the starting QB? How do you think Bobby will adjust his offense?
Presley Meyer: Pass may be one of the most gifted pro-style quarterbacks that Petrino has had at Louisville. I’d expect him to not be very flashy. He will take what the opponent gives him, won’t take too many risks, and make more plays with his feet than people expect. I would expect the offense to look very similar to 2014 when Will Gardner was under center. Heavy tight end usage- especially in the red zone- and a good balance of run and pass (pun intended). I am interested to see if the Cards still work in some read option plays this year, or add any fun wrinkles to the traditional Petrino system. A balanced attack is his bread and butter, though.
Ethan Sprowles: I expect big things from Puma. It’s finally his show. He’s waited for his moment for 2 years now. He’s got all the tools to do it and I think our team’s success will largely hinge on his play.
Ty Spalding: I expect Jawon “Puma” Pass to have a solid year. I do think Bobby will adjust his offense accordingly. We will see the running backs get involved more, and we will see a more traditional pro style offense.
Ross Prophater: One thing I never worry about is production from the QB spot under Bobby Petrino. His QBs always produce and part of the reason is because Bobby is great at zeroing in on a player’s skill set and putting the player into a position to show off those particular attributes and skills. Puma is more a pocket QB and I like most, anticipate Bobby going back to a more pro-style offense.
I think Puma will have a big, big year. The offense is maybe in the best position it’s been in and appears to have been built around Puma. I expect him to be able to command the offense, be able to make the right calls and adjustments and move the offense and put up a lot of points! He’ll successfully live up to the high expectations Lamar created and will create his own highlight reel starting this season.