Louisville football: 3 players who must come up big against Miami

Monty Montgomery – Inside linebacker

5 tackles (4 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks

Montgomery was one of Louisville’s best players in week one against Western Kentucky for his work as a spy against WKU’s quarterback, Tyrrell Pigrome. Montgomery will have to do the same exact thing against Miami’s D’Eriq King this weekend.

Montgomery is beginning to make a huge name for himself for Louisville football and could debatably be the best linebacker on the roster. He is certainly the most athletic which is why he was put in so many positions to spy Pigrome last week.

Despite seniors Dorian Etheridge and C.J. Avery technically holding starting duties, Montgomery is the key piece for this weekend. If he can keep King in check (a very big if), Louisville will have eliminated one of Miami’s biggest running threats. King did throw 16 for 24 last week; however, he only threw for 144 yards.

The best way for the Cardinals to win is to take away the run game for the Hurricanes. The second biggest defensive key should be to take away tight end Brevin Jordan to the best of their abilities.

Jordan was listed as a preseason second team All American by Sporting News. He is an athletic freak and very good with the ball in his hands. Jordan led the team in receiving yards hauling in three receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown against UAB.

Montgomery may also have to matchup with Jordan in certain situations (in addition to the safeties). I like Montgomery’s chances more than Etheridge and Avery in these situations because of the boost in athleticism that Montgomery gives you.

Montgomery should be on the field a ton and I would expect him to have a massive impact on this game. His play will likely be a huge difference in whether the Cardinals defense has a good or a bad day at the office.