Stock up, stock down for Louisville football after Indiana State
By Jacob Lane
Stock down – Dae Williams
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I really thought heading into the ISU game that Dae Williams was going to show everyone that the running back position was his. Like Smith, Williams is a big punishing back who has the power to get past opposing front four’s and then the athleticism and speed to make people miss in the open field.
It could be that the risk of injury far outweighed what the staff may have learned about Williams against Indiana State. but the redshirt sophomore finished with just 1 carry for 1 yard.
It’s more likely that Williams will get a better chance against Western Kentucky this weekend, barring more bad weather, however it is just a bit concerning that the guy who was expected to be the lead back this year has carried the ball 10 times for just seven yards.
Stock down – Dorian Etheridge
Just like last week with Jonathan Greenard, the stock down for sophomore linebacker Dorian Etheridge is due to injury. If there was a guy on this team that the Cardinals could not afford to lose it was Etheridge, who was the team’s leading tackler a year ago. Unfortunately that’s what happened Saturday night.
Luckily for Brian VanGorder and the defense, Bobby Petrino announced yesterday that the injury that looked terrible and potentially season ending, was in fact only a sprain and will likely keep Etheridge out just one week.
Even against Indiana State the middle of the Louisville defense was flat out terrible, allowing over 150+ yards rushing. But hopefully with clear skies in the forecast that will improve this weekend against Western Kentucky.
If Etheridge is not able to go, the Cards will lean on former four-star recruit and true freshman Robert Hicks, who was one of the headliners for this Louisville class. Hicks has yet to register a tackle, but that likely has more to due with the need to have Etheridge on the field than it does Hicks not being ready.
Petrino told the media yesterday that they will work to get Etheridge ready for Saturday, but the Cards should be in good hands with Hicks if he’s not able to go.