After a month of studying the depth charts, looking at the film, and listening to the players and coaches I'm totally convinced Louisville will edge rival Kentucky in the battle for the Governor's Cup.

I've heard all the reasons why the Cards can't win: they have no depth, their receiving corp is week, the defense is suspect, Steve Kragthorpe is not a good coach, the Cats "D" is too tough. Whatever. I'm here to tell you Louisville will win this game 24-21. That's right I said it. Let's be honest here. These are two average teams who are very evenly matched. The Cards may have some serious question marks but so do the Cats.

Let's start with quarterback. We know Hunter Cantwell is halfway decent. But what about UK signal caller Mike Hartline? He's the biggest unknown of the entire game. I can see him being rattled early on in the hostile Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Add in the fact this is a rivalry game? Look for him to throw at least two interceptions. The only way he doesn't is if UK keeps things ultra-conservative. Short pass plays and plenty of hand-offs to the running backs.

Now look at the wide receivers. While Louisville is very thin at the position, let's not act like the Cats are loaded on the outside. They lost Keenan Burton, Steve Johnson, and tight end Jacob Tamme. Sure you have Dicky Lyons Jr., a quality player at wideout. But after that the production drops off. I can't see the Wildcats advantage at wideout being much of a factor in this game.

On defense we know all about the Cards lack of depth. Poor play from a year ago. But you have to think they'll be better this season right? I mean they can't be much worse and they have a new defensive coordinator in Ron English. From everything I've seen, he's a motivator that will get maximum effort from his guys.

I'm not saying the Cards are one of the nation's elite. Not even close. In fact I think they'll finish the season around .500. But with this being a rivalry game. It being at PJCS, in front of a frenzied crowd. And the fact the Cats are starting a very inexperienced QB I have Louisville winning 24-21.

Let me know what you think.

1 Comments

William said:

Kyle,

While I appreciate your enthusiasm for the home team, I think that the missing ingredient in your recipe for Louisville victory is a dash of experience from the U of L linebacking core.

UK doesn't need to hope for big special teams gains or bumbled snaps, all they need is to get past the line of scrimmage on offense. (We already know they will on D.)

Once Dixon and Locke penetrate the defensive line, they are going to blow up the middle of the field for routine 15 to 20 yard gains.

By the way, how far can Cantwell throw the ball while lying on his back, since that where he's going to end up?

I'm calling this one at 31 to 17 Wildcats.

Will

August 31, 2008 2:35 AM

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