A big thank you to John Powell (@CardinalStrong) from the Card Chronicle for discussing tonight’s matchup against Louisville.
1) Reflecting on this season, Louisville has faced ups and downs, suffering narrow defeats to several ranked opponents. How do you assess their performance so far?
As a fan, it’s difficult to frame the season as anything but disappointing. The Cardinals have made significant upgrades at key offensive positions, particularly quarterback, yet they have struggled to close out close games, which has been evident in their three one-score losses. Last year, they finished strongly in such games, so some regression was expected, but my concerns extend to larger issues. The heavy reliance on the transfer portal raises questions about consistency; will reliance on high-profile transfers lead to inconsistent seasons? Additionally, it seems the ACC has had time to analyze and adapt to Brohm’s approach, allowing them to counter the strategies that worked last year. The upcoming five games will be crucial, especially with the recent news of losing a top receiver to a midseason opt-out for a redshirt, adding to my worries.
2) Jeff Brohm guided Louisville to a 10-4 record in his first season. With a current 4-3 start in a relatively weak ACC, were the expectations for an ACC Championship this year, and what’s the fan sentiment towards Brohm?
Expectations were definitely set for Louisville to contend for the ACC Championship this year, similar to last year. The loss of several key players to the NFL created challenges, but the team boasted a strong transfer class filled with talented individuals, which raised hopes. The schedule has turned out to be more daunting than anticipated, highlighted by tough losses to both Notre Dame and a top-10 Miami team. However, the back-to-back underwhelming performances against SMU and Virginia have raised alarms. With tough upcoming games against teams like Clemson and Pitt, as well as a rivalry clash with Kentucky, the pressure is mounting.
Brohm currently enjoys support from the fanbase, but this could change quickly if results do not improve. A crucial task for him will be defeating Kentucky, as recent encounters have been lopsided. Furthermore, defensive performance has to improve; last season’s late struggles continued into this year, and changes to the coaching staff may be necessary if the team continues on this trajectory. A 7-5 finish and retaining the current staff would likely draw criticism from the fanbase.
3) Tyler Shough has started strong for the Cardinals. Who else should fans keep an eye on during Saturday’s game?
Shough has been impressive, with his stats reflecting his capabilities, though a few interceptions have come from circumstances beyond his control. He demonstrates great vision and accuracy, provided he receives adequate protection from his offensive line. While he isn’t heavily utilized in designed runs due to past injuries, he remains a solid option. Another key player is JaCorey Brooks, the standout wide receiver who poses a significant threat with his ability to make plays downfield. With three games of over 100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns already, he’s become a primary target.
Additionally, keep an eye on true freshman running back Isaac Brown. While he shares the workload with others, he’s the primary choice and possesses deceptive speed. He’s already nearing 600 yards rushing, boasting an impressive 8.29 yards per carry average.
4) Who do you see winning the game on Saturday?
Initially, I thought this matchup could serve as a pivotal moment for BC, yet the stakes remain high. The Cards haven’t secured a victory at BC since Lamar Jackson was leading the team. While Shough has potential, he doesn’t quite match Jackson’s prowess. Another concern is the Louisville defense’s struggles against mobile quarterbacks, as they have consistently allowed rushing yards to opposing QBs this season.
Despite these challenges, I still believe Louisville can rise to the occasion and close the season well. The 7.5 point spread seems excessive, and I foresee a closely contested game. I predict Brooks will score a touchdown in the closing minutes to secure a 28-24 victory for Louisville.