Our Cards took to the road for the first time in the ACC today, and on this day things wouldn’t go the Cardinals way. The defense played tough but the offense struggled to find their feet which ultimately lead to the Cardinals defeat. We all knew that Devante’s injury would slow the offensive yield, but today he was sorely missed because our Cards had nothing to show when throwing down field.
This game was a battle of field position all of the way with our Cards mostly starting play at the 27 while the Hoos 47. Their offensive coordinator must have thought that was heaven. With 7 balls batted down at the line of Scrimmage and 11 pass break ups in the game this Cardinal offense just didn’t look the same. Fans will complain and moan that Will has to go, but didn’t they pay attention on those comeback TD throws. Gardner would finish with 164 yards and two touchdowns in the shoot, but it was those two interceptions that got him the boot. Young Reggie came in and give it a whirl, but could only muster 39 yards to that Virginia defense that was playing all world. He got some quality minutes in Hooville today and will be ready to go again when Coach Petrino looks his way.
Dom Brown was effective today with 74 yards and one TD, but even he had trouble getting through that Hooville D.
Dela Cruz and Christian had about 40 yards each, but that Hoo defense closed out fast and neither could make much out of the short pass.
Like I said in the beginning the offense never got by, and it sure would have helped if Dyer hadn’t had a sore thigh. But make no mistake we got Bobby P on our team, and he’ll come back with a full head of steam.
Back to the Louisville D that brought the hammer today. And if it were up to them this would have went the Cards way. Flying all over the field tackling anything in sight Lorenzo Mauldin played with all his might. Keith Kelsey with 11 tackles, and 1 sack led the way with Gerod Holliman in toe, he had 6 tackles, a forced fumble and two interceptions of his own. This defense is STRONG and they know how to play so there is a bright spot on this gloomy day.
Give all the credit to the guys in Hooville their defense was great holding our Cardinals to four of 14 on third down for a 28 percent rate was like stealing cookies off their plate. But it was a Hoo named Ian who stole the show with field goals of 35, 47 and forty two he was kicking that ball like he had lead in his shoe.
The Hoos ended an 11-game slide against FBS-level competition and stopped the Cards win streak dead in it’s tracks so they do deserve some pats on their backs.
Our guys will come back next week ready to fight again and with many ACC battles left it’s hard not to grin. It won’t be long and I’ll be celebrating another Cards win.
The Cardinals heard a Hoo today but things are still bright and there’s a lot of football left to play. Go Cards!