Louisville football report card: Grading Cards win over UVA

Offense

It by no means was a “sexy” performance, but behind the dynamic playmaking of Micale Cunningham, both through the air and on the ground with his legs, the Cards were able to do enough to squeak out a win.

I’d be willing to bet that not many programs can afford to throw just 10 times with their starting quarterback (Louisville threw 14 times total, we’ll get to Evan Conley in a second) and beat top 10 defenses – but that’s exactly what Louisville did. Cunningham went 6/10 on the game, throwing for 126 yards (77 came on a Tutu Atwell end around) and a touchdown.

Once again Scott Satterfield rewarded freshman Evan Conley with playing time for his hard work on the field and in the meeting rooms – but ultimately he wasn’t able to do much and is the reason why Louisville’s QB grade drops to a B-.

Conley led Louisville on four drives to end the second quarter, going just 2/4 for seven yards. The offense took a huge step backward, both figuratively and literally, as Conley’s four drives accounted for a whopping -5 yards.

Not all of the struggles in those four drives can be blamed on Conley, but regardless he really struggled to get comfortable in the pocket and make the plays we’ve seen him make in weeks past.

Once the offense went back to Cunningham they took off again, scoring 21 unanswered points and ultimately putting the game out of reach. Essentially Louisville decided that with the elements it was safer to play the game on the ground, and Cunningham’s ability to run was the difference-maker.

At this point, opposing defenses 1,000 percent understand what Louisville football likes to do with their offense.

1. Establish the run
2. Continue to run
3. Run some more
4. Send Tutu Atwell in reverse
5. Catch you expecting the run and hit Dez Fitzpatrick/Tutu Atwell/Seth Dawkins with a big play downfield

Entering the Virginia game we highlighted that it was going to be a challenge for Louisville to establish the run against one of the best all-around defenses not only in the ACC but across the entire country. Not to mention backup running back Hassan Hall was going to be either completely out of the game with an injury or at the least bit, severely limited, putting even more pressure on Hawkins to produce.

Clearly no one relayed that message to redshirt freshman Javian Hawkins as he went off 136 yards and a career-high two touchdowns on 28 carries in Saturday’s win.

Whether it was running through the tackles or getting outside, Hawkins dominated in every facet of the running game – establishing himself as one of the top running backs in the ACC. It was amazing to watch one of the smallest players on the field, bounce of 275 pound-plus linebackers and defensive ends constantly, pushing three-yard gains into seven and eight-yard gains.

Louisville beating Virginia was a total team effort but there is no denying that Hawkins was the best player on the field on Saturday – and it may not have even been close.

It’s hard to grade Louisville’s pass-catchers performance against Virginia because of the way the offensive game plan ended up working out. As mentioned before, Louisville ran the ball 45 times compared to just 14 passing plays, finishing the game with only 133 yards through the air.

The first place to start would be the play of Tutu Atwell.

While it was more of a running play than a passing play, Atwell’s 77-yard end-around score is what got Louisville going early in the first quarter after a pretty sluggish start. You saw on this play what you’ve probably seen in several games this season, and that’s Louisville’s speed combined with their power upfront.

When Louisville’s offensive line has been able to seal the edge and create holes, players like Atwell have taken advantage.

After Atwell, not a ton happened. Louisville’s receivers and tight ends combined for just two catches 11 yards. Aside from the Seth Dawkins big play in the first half that was called back for a penalty, Louisville’s passing attack was pretty non-existent, and that’s ok.

Louisville’s running attack made all the difference and with the new team mentality, the receiver/tight end group didn’t complain but instead focused all their energy in making sure Hawkins and Cunningham and room to run.

This season Louisville’s offensive line has been one of the brightest spots on a team that is way ahead of schedule at least to what we thought they’d be at this point in the season.

Behind the coaching (and shenanigans) of Dwayne Ledford, Louisville’s offensive line has been able to not only keep the pocket clean for the quarterbacks but have also been able to oppose their will on defenses running the football.

However, against Clemson, they seemed to fall down to earth a little (as does everyone who plays Clemson) allowing six sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Virginia was another challenge, especially seeing that they did everything they could to take away the outside run to the left side behind Mekhi Becton.

Louisville passed with flying colors as they did their part in being able to create massive holes for running back Javian Hawkins and quarterback Micale Cunningham to run through. After not giving up more than160 yards this season on the ground, Louisville’s line led the way as the Cards rushed for 227 yards and three touchdowns.

Against a top-notch defense, Louisville’s offensive line earned every bit of an A- even with four sacks (the majority of which fell on the QB).