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

Tutu Atwell – Wide receiver

Week one: 7 receptions, 78 yards

Perhaps this is the most obvious one of them all. Despite huge performances from Dez Fitzpatrick and Braden Smith last week against Western Kentucky, Atwell is still Louisville’s best (and most dangerous) player on the perimeter.

Atwell owned Miami last year in their matchup as he went off for 142 receiving yards and a touchdown on six receptions in the later stages of the 2019 season. He was one of few bright spots in a game the Cardinals lost 52-27.

He strikes me at someone who prefers to be the star of the show. I am certain Satterfield feels similarly. Although he had a performance that included seven catches and 78 yards, Satterfield may be looking to dial up some even bigger plays for Tutu against the Hurricanes.

With Fitzpatrick looking the best he ever has and Smith providing a new explosive presence at the receiver position, that could help to take the pressure off of Atwell. Look for Satterfield to get Tutu going with some easy jet sweeps mixed in with a couple of deep shots to keep the defense off balance and honest.

Atwell was the highest graded receiver returning this Fall (before the Big Ten announced they decided they were returning to play).

These three players’ performances on Saturday night will likely prove to be a huge factor in the difference between a win and a loss in a Top 25 matchup.

If Boone, Montgomery, and Atwell are making plays or playing well, Louisville will have a terrific shot at winning one of the most important “prove it” games in the early stages of the 2020 college football season.