Geesh, that was U.G.L.Y.
Understand I didn’t follow my usual routine while following the battle against the Demon Deacons, and soon enough I’ll tell the tale why, a story which might elicit a smile despite the truly horrid performance by the Cardinals.
Normally I sit with a legal pad and have a shorthand for key plays, key moments, incidents worth mentioning in my follow up. Plus I log into software with complete and illuminative running stats. Etc, etc, etc.
Because of circumstances — Be patient, I’ll get there — I wasn’t inclined to do that.
It turns out, it doesn’t matter. To be honest, I haven’t even looked at the final statistics, so inconsequential are they in this defeat.
Other than a Cardinal here and there, the University of Louisville football team and the University of Louisville football coaching staff might have stayed in the hotel. Because they did not come to play, and they didn’t come to coach.
I did see where after the game, Bobby Petrino mentioned working on fundamentals, tackling and blocking. Really? Are these not things that should have been in place . . . oh . . . two months ago.
Trying to find some team unity might be a good idea too. Players are pointing fingers at each other, talking about how some of their teammates aren’t doing their part. Hmmm, that shouldn’t be hard to fix, what with three embarrassing losses in the last four, sandwiched around a gifted escape in Tallahassee, against a Florida State Seminole squad that has fallen apart even worse than U of L and was crushed 3-35 at Boston College.
Which is, in my normally verbose fashion, my way of saying I have no intention of discussing turning points, pointing fingers at those who tried to win and those who didn’t.
This was a total team breakdown, a total team lack of effort, a frankly disgusting performance by the University of Louisville Cardinals.
Petrino’s lost this team, and apparently lost his way.
Feel free to discuss the particulars amongst yourselves, should you be so inclined. I’m staying out of this discussion. Life’s too short.
* * * * *
OK, the rest of the story.
There’s a group of close friends with whom I’ve been watching away games for years, pigskin and hoops. We usually gather at the couple’s house with the biggest set.
But it was time for me to reciprocate, set up the buffet, fill the fridge with beverages and have the gang to the SeedyDome. While prepping, I cut my finger and my pal Doc drove me over the ER for triage and treatment.
Injured my finger — Get ready for it, I’m sure there will be comments — sliced my finger while, yes it’s true, cutting the cheese.
Beavis to Butthead: He said “cutting the cheese.”
Well, the check in staff at the ER laughed. So I kept workin’ it. Then the nurses laughed.
I’m fine, I didn’t cut off my finger as my pal the Professor thought. But Doc and I missed the very beginning of the game, listening to the call on the radio. When we finally got back to the TV, I had no desire to set up things and keep track of details. The Cardinals were already behind, their mind set was obvious.
So that’s the excuse for eschewing my usually statistic laden opinionating about the game.
Not that U of L played well enough to deserve any sort of legit consideration.
— Seedy K
Well, I said this a few weeks ago, without Lamar they are a mediocre team. NO running game, NO major college running backs, and absolute NO defense or tackling. That doesn’t leave much. I guess we can now see how horrible Florida State really is so that win doesn’t mean much. I don’t know who is responsible for the lack of quality athletes but they aren’t doing their jobs. Watching Mississippi St the other day, I think UL lost out in the swap of defensive coordinators.
Carl, are you saying we received a defensive coordinator in the swapping of people who are hired to coach ? We evidently hired someone badly in need of a place to watch kids run around on a football field. Does anyone believe the kids on this team are getting any post season practice or travel to a bowl game? I am afraid there will be plenty of time to try to find an actual defensive coaching staff and be involved in recruiting right after the Game in Lexington.
Bottom line is, its time to clean house top to bottom. Head coach and staff should not be allowed to return. But, get ready fans, because this is the beginning of our “long winter of discontent”!!!!!
I think there’s enough unrest already in the U of L athletic department. As underwhelming as Bobby P Era Deux has been, now’s not the time to have to go looking for a new football coach.
I’m sure Petrino will jettison the defensive coordinator before the bus ride back from Lexington. i agree with cdk. This not the time for wholesale changes in the football program.
No comment!
We arrived at the game at Wake without tickets. Thank goodness. We bought tickets for $10 from some cat in front of the ticket office. When we looked at the tickets that was the FACE PRICE ! We got smashed by a team that sells it’s tickets for $10.