3 players to watch for Louisville football & Pittsburgh this weekend
By Jacob Lane
Louisville football – Javian Hawkins, RB
Big time matchups bring out the best in big time players, and that’s exactly what Scott Satterfield and the entire Louisville football program will be expecting from star running back Javian Hawkins.
While the defense struggled, and the offense had its ups and downs, Hawkins was a constant against Miami finishing with164 yards on 27 carries (one shy of his career high) with a touchdown to go with it.
The Miami defense is full of NFL caliber players but collectively that group isn’t at the level of what Hawkins will see against Pittsburgh on Saturday.
This season Pittsburgh has specialized in stopping the run, allowing just 52 combined yards rushing in two games against Austin Peay and Syracuse. There’s no denying that being an incredible stat, but when you consider the fact that Austin Peay is, well, Austin Peay, and Syracuse may just be the worst team in the ACC – it changes things a little.
Hawkins has had success against nearly every big name program and defense has faced, including Notre Dame and Clemson, and there’s no reason to believe he’s not capable of producing another big time performance even against a top defense.
It’s clear Pittsburgh has yet to see a back anywhere near the level of Hawkins giving them their toughest challenge yet. With potentially no Hassan Hall, Hawkins will be counted on more than ever to get and keep the run game going.
Pittsburgh – Patrick Jones II,
I’ve only written two pieces previewing Pittsburgh, and I’m already tired of talking about their defensive line.
Even without their star and likely first rounder Jaylen Twyman, who opted out of the season, Pittsburgh’s defensive line has been one of the most dominant in all of college football.
Though he’s not been the statistical leader through two games (a lot of that has to do with him not playing much in the second half against Austin Peay) it’s clear that the front four of Pittsburgh starts with Patrick Jones II.
The Second Team All-ACC honoree returned to Pittsburgh after a dominant junior season, and has already been a force through two games. Sitting tied for second on the team with eight tackles, Jones has been a force off the edge and will be a huge problem for Louisville on Saturday.
Louisville’s already gone against two premier pass rushers this season in Western Kentucky’s DeAngelo Malone and Miami’s Quincy Roche, so they’ll be more prepared than ever to face the Panthers sack artist.
Jones II is a first-round talent who has all the tools in his arsenal to give Adonis Boone fits, but considering how he’s done thus far there’s reason to believe Louisville can limit the impact of the Panthers best defensive lineman.