Louisville football: 5 important things to watch for in December
By Jacob Lane
December is a huge month for Scott Satterfield and Louisville football and a lot could happen to change the course of the program over the next 30 days. 5 things you should be watching this month.
And just like that the 2019 Louisville football regular season has come to an end, and now the Cardinals and Scott Satterfield will turn their eyes toward playing one final bowl game before moving into preparation for the 2020 season.
It’s hard to believe that at almost exactly this time last year we were awaiting the final decision and announcement from Vince Tyra on who would be the next Louisville football head coach, after a disastrous 2018 season.
Thankfully, that decision ultimately ended with Jeff Brohm saying no and Louisville turning their full attention to Scott Satterfield. Now 12 months later and Louisville football looks to be right back on track for competing at the highest level in the ACC, something nobody thought was possible this quick.
Unfortunately for Louisville and their fans, the season ended on a rather sour note with a 45-13 loss in which the Cards defense gave up a season-high 517 rushing yards to Kentucky including 284 yards and four touchdowns to Lynn Bowden Jr.
Sure, the last game of the season was a complete letdown and one that will sting for quite some time, especially considering how it was done. However, it doesn’t change the fact that this season has been special.
No one, and I mean no one, thought that Satterfield would be able to get things turned around this quickly at Louisville. When he took over last December, he inherited a group of broken players who’s love and dedication to the game had been tested by Bobby Petrino and the former staff. The roster was mismanaged, attitudes/egos were in the wrong place, the talent at some spots was questionable, depth was lacking, and numerous holes were going to need to be filled after tons of player deflections.
That’s what makes this season so incredible, and the great news is it’s not over. Thanks to Satterfield and his staff’s dedication and months and months of hard work on the field, in the meeting rooms, in the training rooms, etc. etc. now Louisville will get to play in a bowl game, much earlier than anyone expected.
December will be crucial to the next step as a program for Satterfield and Louisville. Obviously there will be preparation for a late December bowl game, which will be a HUGE boost to the team in need of time together on the field as they continue to cultivate depth and get the young guys ready to contribute.
This month also will be huge for recruiting with the Early Signing Period just a few weeks away. Satterfield and his staff already hold 23 commitments in the class and will look to fill as many as six spots. The Cards have plenty of players in the pipeline, several of which who could be difference-makers right away, which means a big finish could be in order.
What else is there to watch for December? Plenty. That’s why we’ve broken it down into five different areas that we believe you should be watching for this month.
The season may be just about over, but the fun for the future of Louisville football is just beginning.