Louisville football: Take it or leave it? Pitt edition
Louisville football leaves a lot of questions unanswered heading into Pitt match-up.
This week has left me not wanting to talk about Louisville football for a myriad of reasons. A big loss and turmoil within the city will make anyone feel burnt out.
So I wanted to mix it up. Make football fun again… okay bad analogy, but no time to delete. Onward!
Jacob and I started a dumb podcast that was a couple of dumb guys rambling on about the intricacies of Louisville football and basketball, Cardinals fan culture, and everything in between.
Since then, we’ve actually somehow kind of made some of you want to listen more. And we’ve gotten some pretty cool people like Chris Mack, Barton Simmons, Matt Babcock, Corey Evans, and a myriad of Louisville players to hop on along the way.
But back when we were sitting in either mine or Jacob’s kitchen ranting into the void and like twelve of you were listening, we started this segment called “Take It Or Leave It.”
Let this sweet tune set the mood for you:
Cage the Elephant has some absolute slappers, by the way.
The concept is simple. We rapid fire questions at each other regarding a Louisville game, player, coach, etc… and we simply explain why we are gonna take it…. or leave it… Easy enough.
Now you might be asking yourself, “isn’t that just like ‘Buy or Sell’”? Stop that. Maybe, instead you should be asking yourself “why am I not minding my own business?” Or “why is this man such a creative genius?”
That’s right, take it or leave it, fools.
Jacob wrote these questions for me, so blame him if you don’t like the answers.
Regulators… mount up.
Pittsburgh has less than 7 tackles for loss
Yeah, I’m gonna leave it. Louisville has allowed 10+ tackles for loss in each of their last four games. Pitt is first in the country in sacks. If Louisville allows less than 7 TFL, they win by double digits.
Leave it.
Malik Cunningham is sacked less than 3 times
Louisville’s offensive line has been improved in 2020 in the run game, but the pass protection has been a bit sus still. This is a big storyline in this game, and I think the Cards do just okay here.
Push.
Noon games
Remember when we used to freak out back in the late Big East and AAC days about nooners? We want prime time! No respect! No time to tailgate!
Well, guess what? I miss noon games. You can get up, drink beer in the morning, and you have your whole Saturday ahead of you after the game is over. A Saturday noon win sets the tone for an amazing weekend.
Take it.
150+ yards for Javian Hawkins
Hawkins had a massive week on the ground against Miami last Saturday, and I think he’s one of the guys who looks even better than last year.
Every time we think Hawkins will be limited against a formidable rush defense, he elevates his game. I think he hits 150 yards.
Take it.
Louisville defense grabs an interception
This was a big story last year, and it’s rearing its ugly head once again. Louisville cannot turn opponents over. Co-defensive coordinator Bryan Brown prides himself on the aggressive play of his defense, and a fire should be lit under his ass after that showing last week. I think Lovie Jenkins and some of the younger guys play more this week.
Take it.
Pitt’s Vincent Davis goes over 100 yards
Louisville has been solid on run defense so far, while Davis has only averaged 3.6 yards per carry. And, by my calculations, (*pushes up glasses*) unless Davis gets 27 carries, he ain’t hitting a hundo. That’s just math, folks.
In all seriousness, I don’t think he hits 100 yards on the ground, but he might see some action catching out of the backfield.
Leave it.
Louisville gives up 3 or more “explosive plays”
I wish I could say leave it, but this has been UofL’s shortfall.
Take it.
Lovie Jenkins emerges in secondary safety role
I don’t know what it will take to show Jenkins has officially “emerged,” but Louisville’s Jack Fagot and and Isaiah Hayes were picked on last week. I say Jenkins sees some more snaps at Pitt.
Take it.
Dez Fitzpatrick has a bigger game than Tutu Atwell
Pitt is really strong up front, and I think the Panthers do not allow Cunningham much time to throw the ball. The coaching staff is gonna want to get the short passing game going, and I think that could happen in the form of some Tutu Atwell screens, misdirection plays, and end-arounds.
Leave it.
Louisville’s front seven produces 3 or more sacks
Monty Montgomery has been noticeably awesome so far in pass rush situations, and I am hoping Yassir Abdullah gets in on the action as well soon.
Look, Louisville’s defense has been super underwhelming in terms of overall aggression and play-calling so far. I think the Cardinals try to get into the opposing backfield early and often against Pitt.
Take it.
Louisville wins
Louisville football head coach Scott Satterfield hasn’t lost back-to-back games since Obama was in office.
Take it.