Louisville Football’s 3 keys to beat Duke’s Offense

LOUISVILLE, KY - OCTOBER 14: James Quick #17 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball while defended by Jordan Hayes #13 of the Duke Blue Devils at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on October 14, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - OCTOBER 14: James Quick #17 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball while defended by Jordan Hayes #13 of the Duke Blue Devils at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on October 14, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Nov 18, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive back Qwynnterrio Cole (12) and teammates tackle Duke Blue Devils running back Jaylen Coleman (22) during the 1st half of the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive back Qwynnterrio Cole (12) and teammates tackle Duke Blue Devils running back Jaylen Coleman (22) during the 1st half of the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Don’t allow the big yardage play

Louisville’s defense has played quite well this year, but the only area where they struggled is the big plays they seem to give up to their opponents. They gave up some big touchdown throws to Notre Dame, NC State, and even Pitt in recent weeks, and they can’t let Duke do the same thing. The difference this week will be that Duke gets most of their big plays on the ground. While they do have big plays through the air as well, they do better rushing the ball overall when you compare the two.

Jordan Waters and Jaquez Moore have been tearing it up on the ground this year for Duke and the Cardinals need to be able to limit them. Duke’s big outside runs have also been big for them in converting big yardage plays. Just last week against Florida State, Jaquez Moore had a 42-yard TD against one of the best rush defenses in college football. Louisville might hold Duke’s rushing offense for 2 plays, but if on the 3rd they get a big play then it doesn’t matter. Ron English needs to have his team ready to play and be able to compete play after play, because this Duke rushing attack is the best in the ACC.

If Brohm and company can avoid the big play, then the defense should be in a good position to lead the Cardinals to a win.