Louisville football: 5 final thoughts after loss to Miami

Special teams are back?

Speaking of special…

**In my best Jim Ross voice**

By gawd, that’s Louisville football’s special teams music!

Ladies and gentlemen, the Cards special teams is BACK.

For the record sometimes being a Cardinals fan gets the best of me. So when I say that I automatically expected James Turner’s first field goal attempt to be blocked or missed, I hope you’ll understand.

Following the Western Kentucky game all eyes were on Louisville’s special teams and their three new starters, Brock Travelstead (kick offs), Turner (PK), and Logan Lupo (punter). I don’t need to go into more detail (you can read Maxwell Owens’ reaction here) but those players all had to show up in a major way if Louisville was going to compete against Miami.

Let’s start with Lupo. Taking care of the football and improving on his punt averages was a top priority, and he did just that booting four punts for an average of 44 yards each. He did have one bad punt, but I’ll give him credit for major improvement in the face of criticism.

Travelstead was once again impressive with his kick off’s (although I swore he kicked one out of bounds). HIs five kick offs went 65, 64, 59, 65, 65 yards with all but one resulting in a touchback.

Turner was great kicking once again, extending his perfect streak on PAT’s, and sinking his first two career field goal attempts – with the best coming from 40 yards out. Turner also came in for a trick onside kick, which Louisville recovered and got an extra drive out of only to fumble the ball away.

Jordan Watkins and Hassan Hall also showed promise as the primary returners on kick off returns. My bet is on one of them to break a long TD sooner rather than later.

Special teams improvement is going to be critical for winning close games and it’s good to see Stu Holt’s group progressing.