Big Red Louie
Fansided

Louisville football: The game plan for slowing down Wake Forest

By Will Reddington

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 05: Micale Cunningham #3 of the Louisville Cardinals warms up before the game against the Boston College Eagles at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. Previously referred to as "Malik", Cunningham told Louisville officials that he is now going by his given first name, Micale. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 05: Micale Cunningham #3 of the Louisville Cardinals warms up before the game against the Boston College Eagles at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. Previously referred to as "Malik", Cunningham told Louisville officials that he is now going by his given first name, Micale. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – OCTOBER 05: Dez Fitzpatrick #7 of the Louisville Cardinals celebrates after a play in the game against the Boston College Eagles during the third quarter at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – OCTOBER 05: Dez Fitzpatrick #7 of the Louisville Cardinals celebrates after a play in the game against the Boston College Eagles during the third quarter at Cardinal Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Keep the offense rolling

Wake Forest has won all five games they’ve played this year but they haven’t been tested as Louisville has. Wake has wins against North Carolina, Utah State, Rice, Elon and Boston College – while the Cards have picked up wins against EKU, WKU, and Boston College – while facing no. 9 ranked Notre Dame and Florida State on the road. That’s far from murders row.

When you consider that Louisville has played tougher competition so far, it’s encouraging for the Cardinals to see almost identical stats from the Demon Deacons in terms of total team defense.

Louisville currently ranks as the 65th defense in the country, giving up 388 yards per game while Wake Forest ranks 71st, giving up 393 yards per game.

Louisville fans know that since the schedule really ramped up due to the likes of FSU and BC, the big play has been a problem for the Cardinal defense. But the big-play ability of the Louisville offense is finally showing itself, this weekend they may have even more opportunity to do so.

Dez Fitzpatrick, Seth Dawkins and Tutu Atwell all went over 100 yards receiving on Saturday. Evan Conley and Micale Cunningham both played solid games under center and the Louisville rushing attack gets better every week.

This Louisville offense will be the most dynamic that Wake Forest has faced so far this season. They’ve had extra time to prepare, coming off of a bye last week. But the athleticism of Louisville’s skill guys may prove to be a huge advantage for the Cardinals on Saturday night.

Home/Louisville Football