Louisville Football: What to Expect from Malik Cunningham’s First Start?
By Madison Wood
In a move that Louisville football fans couldn’t have seen coming at the start of the season, quarterback Malik Cunningham will make his first start against UVA on Saturday.
Well, that escalated quickly.
You’d have to be living under a rock to not know that this years Louisville football team has been less than impressive to start the season. Bobby Petrino’s heir apparent to Lamar Jackson in Puma Pass just hasn’t been getting it done.
What do you do when “the guy” can’t seem to get the ball moving? Enter Malik Cunningham.
“Spark plug”. “Instant energy.” Ever since Cunningham took over against Indiana State two weeks ago, that’s all everyone can’t stop saying. When the Cards looked stagnant for the first few drives vs WKU, all it took was three passes before Puma was pulled.
Now, there are plenty of differing opinions on whether or not Pass has been given a fair shot before being replaced so early in the year – but there’s no debating that when Malik is out there, the Cards look better. A whole lot better.
This year has been somewhat of an anomaly. We’re so used to Petrino offenses being able to move the ball and score points – and the kicker is, we have all the weapons to be doing just that. But so far those weapons have seemed non-existent, and while Puma can’t be blamed for everyone’s mistakes… as a quarterback you have to be able to light a fire under your teammates. That’s where Malik shines.
Besides his obvious talent (his elusiveness gives us shades of Lamar on occasion) this kid is excited for his opportunity. He probably didn’t think he would be starting this season, especially not in game four, but here we are. So let’s start with the obvious.
Energy (and some nerves)
Making your first start is nerve wracking enough as it is, but making your first start on the road as a freshman opening up conference play? We can only imagine. But from what we’ve seen from Malik so far, we know he will come out fired up and ready.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see him miss on a throw or two at the beginning, just because of all the adrenaline. Maybe Bobby starts him out with a hand off to Dae or even a QB draw? We know that’s what he’s comfortable with. Whatever the play call, I just want to see Malik along with the rest of the team run out there and line up with some purpose. And I think they’ll do just that.
Accountability and Leadership
One of the biggest things that’s been missing so far this year has been that on the field leader who expects 100% out of everyone out there. In the times we’ve seen Malik he’s been fired up in the huddle, vocal with his teammates, and letting everybody know what’s up when something doesn’t go right.
If this game starts out with lazy ball exchanges, lazy routes, and drops… Malik is going to let those guys know to step it up. In addition to that, when he makes a mistake, he’ll let ’em know “that’s on me”. This kid wants to win, and I have no doubt he will leave it all out on the field on Saturday.
He’s going to Run. A LOT
Whether the play is called for him to run or not, it’s in his instincts. I’m sure all week in practice he’s been throwing the ball, and we all know he’s a capable passer. But it takes more than a week to learn to fight against your instinct to run the football.
Our offensive line is much improved this year, so Malik should have plenty of time to make his reads (though Petrino probably won’t make it too complicated for him). There will be some plays that frustrate us for sure – Dez may be wide open over the middle, but instead Malik scrambles and is taken down for a loss.
But there will also be those plays that have us on the edge of our seat. The 3rd and 7 in the fourth quarter where we absolutely need the first down – and Malik gets it. He’s shown the ability to extend plays in flashes, and hopefully with a full week of preparation his decision making will be a bit better.
Next. Three Players that Must Step Up Against Virginia. dark
Overall, Malik Cunningham is a young kid who has been waiting to show the world what he can do. There also isn’t a whole lot of film on him. If Virginia isn’t all the way prepared, we could see the beginning of another star born for Louisville football.
We’ll have to wait and see what’s in store Saturday as a lot will be on the line for the Cards and Malik Cunningham.