CAN THE LOUISVILLE DEFENSE AVOID A LETDOWN
If you have had the opportunity to read my film reviews this week, you know that your eyes didn’t deceive you when it comes to the defensive performance last weekend. Louisville made a legit change in the defensive scheme when they elected to play more man coverage and added more defenders to the box against the run. They also mugged up their linebackers to cause confusion for the FSU offensive line, and the changes worked.
The key for this week will be to continue to be aggressive up front to create negative plays. Malachi Nelson will be starting for the Orange, and he has not been a consistent passer in his career. Allowing him to have a comfortable experience in the pocket is not a good idea. The Cards have to force him to make quick decisions or to move his feet in the pocket. He does not win in those situations.
VERTICAL PASSING COULD DICTATE THIS GAME
Louisville has the most explosive offense in the country, while the Orange have done well to keep a lid on things as a defense. Syracuse has big outside receivers who have been able to make plays down the field, and we all know how the Cards have struggled to stop big passing plays this season.
We will be in for a very interesting battle of teams who will be looking to push the ball down the field. The Cards showed last weekend that they can prevent explosive passing plays, but the Orange will undoubtedly test the defense to see if it was a fluke.
The Cards haven’t faced a defense that is as good at preventing big passing plays as Syracuse. Wake Forest is about as close as it gets, and the Deacs shut down the explosive aspect of this offense. Brian Brohm will have an opportunity to develop a game plan that will utilize his receivers to create plays down the field.
LOUISVILLE MUST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SYRACUSE MISTAKES
Syracuse is the most penalized team in the country. Syracuse is among the worst teams in the country when it comes to interceptions thrown. Syracuse will be starting their third-string quarterback in a must-win game. Syracuse has not been able play with a lead this year. Syracuse has only made 46% of their field goals this year.
Pick an issue from the above list, and Louisville needs to pounce on it. The Cards should be in full desperation mode from the first snap of this game, and the Orange will give them opportunities to take advantage of. Pick one and run with it.
COULD WE SEE TAYON HOLLOWAY TRAVEL WITH UMARI HATCHER
If you are a long-time reader, you know that I have repeatedly hoped that the defensive staff would allow the top cornerback on the team to “shadow” the top receiver on the other team. It’s not something you see at the college level, but there’s no good reason why it can’t happen.
Tayon Holloway showed last week why he is a potential NFL prospect as he broke up multiple passes on slant routes while also taking away options for Austin Daniels on other plays. Holloway has great size, and he plays a physical style of play that works well in man coverage.
Why can’t he travel with Umari Hatcher, who is the obvious top option for the Orange? Hatcher lines up at different positions, but Louisville can play with three cornerbacks if needed, and they can use different coverages. It may be worth expending more effort if it means you can take Hatcher out of the game.
NOTES
- Syracuse has twin brothers Davien and Davion Kerr on their team. They wear the same number.
- At one point, Nelson was the overall number one high school prospect in the 2023 class.
- Louisville had 36 pressures last weekend, with Clev Lubin notching 12 on his own. For context, they had 16 pressures in the Ole Miss game.