It’s just one game. BUT it was a game vs. the #9 team in the nation in Notre Dame who actually moved up to #8 in the AP Poll following its win over the Cardinals. It’s important to not overreact, but a few things stand out that I wanted to point out.
In the Notre Dame game the Cards gained 31 more yards more than they averaged in 2018. That significant when you consider that most of the UofL opponents won’t have that same level of defense that the Irish brought into Cardinal Stadium.
The passing offense is not something I personally am overreacting to. Jawon Pass did throw much better at times last season and drops really held his numbers down…. but clearly UofL is going to have to throw for more than 134 yards per game. On the other side of that is the Rushing Offense…. WOW. And that was a really well put together front that Notre Dame put on the field.
Rushing Defense continues to be the main problem on the defense although I will submit that teams still haven’t HAD to throw the ball against UofL and the truth about UofL’s Passing Defense is suppressed in these numbers.
The Cards on 3rd Down offensively and defensively was dramatically improved in the one game Notre Dame sample, as was the Penalty metric. But the turnover problem still persists.
UofL Football is still giving up a lot of negative plays (Sacks/TFLs) but that was an excellent front from the Irish… and the Cards finally got some Sacks/TFLs of their own. Louisville had 3 sacks in the 1st half vs. ND…. UofL had just 11 sacks in 2018. That’s great progress.
It’s not perfect. It’s not close to being where it needs to be, but it was a step in the right direction vs. a legit opponent and it’s a great place to start building.
| – | 2019 | 2018 |
| Strength of Schedule (Sagarin) | 17th | 15th |
| Scoring Offense (ppg) | 17.0 (105th) | 19.8 (122nd) |
| Total Offense (ypg) | 383.0 (81st) | 352.6 (109th) |
| Passing Offense (ypg) | 134.0 (112th) | 211.1 (89th) |
| Rushing Offense (ypg) | 249.00 (26th) | 141.50 (102nd) |
| Scoring Defense (ppg) | 35.0 (100th) | 44.1 (128th) |
| Total Defense (ypg) | 423.0 (90th) | 483.5 (122nd) |
| Passing Defense (ypg) | 193.0 (57th) | 206.3 (40th) |
| Rushing Defense (ypg) | 230.0 (112th) | 277.25 (127th) |
| Punt Returns (ypr) | – | 15.15 (8th) |
| Kickoff Returns (ypr) | 19.67 (65th) | 22.66 (33rd) |
| Opponent Punt Returns (ypr) | -2.00 (3rd) | 9.96 (90th) |
| Opponent Kickoff Return (ypr) | 16.00 (26th) | 20.76 (69th) |
| Punting (ypp) | 41.40 (76th) | 39.97 (88th) |
| Field Goal % | 100% (1st) | 83.3% (19th) |
| Opponent FG % | – | 73.3% (59th) |
| First Downs (per game) | 21.0 (74th) | 18.8 (106th) |
| Opponent First Downs (per game) | 18.0 (57th) | 23.3 (109th) |
| Penalties (ypg) | 50.0 (56th) | 71.8 (121st) |
| Turnover Margin (season) | -2 (119th) | -12 (125th) |
| Time of Possession | 32:00.00 (51st) | 29:37.67 (73rd) |
| Sacks (Per Game) | 3.00 (30th) | 0.92 (126th) |
| Tackles for Loss (Per Game) | 6.00 (55th) | 3.83 (127th) |
| Sacks Allowed (Per Game) | 4.0 (116th) | 3.58 (129th) |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed (Per Game) | 11.00 (121st) | 7.75 (124th) |
| Interceptions Gained (season) | – | 6 (112th) |
| Passes Defended (per game) | 2.0 (96th) | 2.25 (130th) |
| Fumbles Recovered (season) | 1 (31st) | 7 (82nd) |
| Fumbles Forced (season) | 1 (33rd) | 5 (122nd) |
| Fumbles Lost (season) | 3 (130th) | 10 (82nd) |
| Interceptions Lost (Season) | – | 15 (115th) |
| Kick/Punts Blocked (season) | – | 2 (45th) |
| 3rd Down Conversion % | 40.00% (75th) | 35.54% (105th) |
| 4th Down Conversion % | 50.00% (40th) | 36.36% (120th) |
| Opponent 3rd Down Conversion % | 41.67% (84th) | 51.85% (130th) |
| Opponent 4th Down Conversion % | 0.00% (1st) | 66.67% (114th) |
| Red Zone Conversion % | 100% (1st) | 80.56% (95th) |
| Red Zone TD Conversion % | 100% (1st) | 61.11% (70th) |
| Red Zone Trips | 2 (98th) | 36 (110th) |
| Opponent Red Zone Conversion % | 100% (130th) | 88.14% (103rd) |
| Opponent Red Zone TD Conversion % | 100% (130th) | 74.58% (119th) |
| Opponent Red Zone Trips | 4 (74th) | 59 (122nd) |
| Kickoffs (ypk) | 63.25 (56th) | 60.53 (83rd) |
| Plays | – | 797 (116th) |
| Yards Per Play | 5.11 (88th) | 5.31 (100th) |
Latest posts by Mark Blankenbaker (see all)
- Cardinals Lose to Kentucky 17-13 in Battle of the Bluegrass - April 17, 2024
- Pat Kelsey Officially Adds Kloman, Carr, Hamilton, Foy to Staff - April 11, 2024
- Louisville Athletics, 502Circle Announce Membership Campaign - April 1, 2024