Louisville football: 5 final thoughts after loss to Miami

Louisville’s offense could be special

Through two games, Louisville’s offense has been nothing short of incredible. Sure, there’s been a few mistakes here and there as well as some struggles in certain spots (such as the offensive line) but to put up 69 points and over 1,000 yards of total offense in two weeks is noteworthy.

While the fact that Louisville put up over 510 yards of total offense against Miami means nothing in a loss, it does confirm that all of the hype this offseason was deserved. As mentioned, the offense was the only thing that kept this game from becoming a blowout and each time the defense gave up points they came out ready to do the same.

Quarterback Malik Cunningham said after the game, that even after the back-to-back 75-yard touchdowns that the defense gave up the offense still felt like they could pull out a victory. While Javian Hawkins alluded to there being plenty of open lanes produced by the offensive line, which resulted in him gaining a season-high 164 yards on the ground.

A few bad mistakes and crucial third down misses (4/14 overall) kept Louisville from ever being able to get the lead under 13 points. The game ended in a loss as we all know, but I still can’t help but be encouraged by how good the offense is and can be this season with more time.

Without going too deep into the weeds, here are just a few things I loved to see:

• Marshon Ford blocked his tail off and was rewarded with another touchdown
• Tutu Atwell was the fastest player on the field and once again torched Miami
• Dez was involved (SEVEN RECEPTIONS!)
• Braden Smith made another huge play (although I don’t get why it took so long)
• Aidan Robbins got his first action
• Ean Pfeifer caught a big pass down the field and it wasn’t a touchdown (he also got smacked)
• The offensive line’s run blocking was phenomenal

Now through two games, Louisville has one of the best offenses in the ACC and a quarterback who is in the top five of a ton of major key statistics. I understand it’s two weeks and that a lot of the production came in garbage time of both games. Still, Louisville’s offense is showing that they can move the ball at a high level no matter what.

Cunningham lost a key game against Miami and had two crucial turnovers, but by no means does this count him out of the Heisman race. Through two games, Cunningham is second in total passing yards, fifth in passing yards per game, fifth in total offense produced, and second in points responsible for.

If the line takes a step in pass protection and Cunningham can avoid botched plays as mentioned, watch out, because this offense is going places.