Louisville football: 5 players to watch against Western Kentucky

Mekhi Becton

Offensive tackle

In my mind, there is no question that Mekhi Becton, Louisville’s left tackle is the best all-around football player on Louisville’s team.

Through two full games in 2019, the Louisville offensive line has helped Satterfield’s offense start the season as the 9th best rushing attack across the entire country. That’s incredible, especially considering that the passing game is far from being a finished product.

The left side of the offensive line has even been recognized on a national level. Pro Football Focus named both Becton and the UofL left guard, Caleb Chandler, as members of their ACC team of the week from week two.

Last year, the Louisville QB was sacked on average 3.6 times per game. It is remarkable that Cardinals have now played 120 minutes of football and have not allowed 1 sack. I think Becton, Chandler and the rest of the offensive line deserved to be commended for that. Not to mention, those 100+ yard rushers don’t do that all by themselves, the line is a major contributor to that part of Louisville’s success as well.

Becton has a ton NFL potential and has since he first stepped foot on campus. But with him getting better every single game and bringing the rest of the line with him, the Cards could really have something upfront. If Mekhi can play his game this weekend, we shouldn’t see any Tops anywhere near Jawon.

If Jawon Pass is going to be successful against Western Kentucky when it comes to throwing the football deep down the field, Becton and the entire offensive line will be where it starts. Against a talented but inferior defensive line, keeping a clean pocket and opening running holes will be a great test considering what’s to come over the next several weeks in ACC play.