Final Takeaways From Louisville’s Win Over Virginia
By Caleb Hall
![Nov 9, 2023; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; The Louisville Cardinals celebrate after a blocked Virginia Cavaliers punt was return for a touchdown during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports Nov 9, 2023; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; The Louisville Cardinals celebrate after a blocked Virginia Cavaliers punt was return for a touchdown during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e253f51f3bbfcde7d54f85cb02f38c3feee8e0a98ab81d817faa0f66f2dd6704.jpg)
No. 1: Louisville’s secondary has to step up for the rest of the season
The Louisville secondary took some bad plays last Thursday night, and they cannot let that continue over into the last 2 regular season game of the season against Miami and Kentucky. The Cardinals gave up 314 passing yards to Virginia, and they continually let them convert on 3rd down, and Malik Washington burned them on multiple occasions.
Malik Washington alone had 9 receptions for 155 yard and 1 TD alone. While Malachi Fields had 85 yards receiving on 4 receptions. This was the first time in weeks that the secondary looked vulnerable, and it goes to show that the Louisville defense isn’t unstoppable. Virginia was able to move the ball in the 1st half, but the 3rd quarter is where they really started burning Louisville’s corners. It also goes without saying that Malik Washington is one of the best receivers in the ACC, and he was going to get catches no matter what.
The Cardinals have to get back to how they were playing against Virginia Tech and Duke, and lock up receivers downfield. With Jarvis Brownlee still being questionable, other players will have to step up. Hopefully the Cards can turn around the pass defense come next Saturday against Miami.