The House of Blue

I know. Different from offers such as Marshall and FIU too.

I'll come right out and admit I am a Louisville fan. I've enjoyed these takes on the game and find them, for the most part, interesting and productive. Here's what I think:

The strength of UK is definitely in the DLine. Now, I happen to believe you guys tend to underestimate the UofL O Line, but that's fine. To fans of the program, they really seemed to grow up last season, but then the NC State game was a totally dreadful dose of reality. Watching Teddy get racked up so hard and so often was brutal. Then again, the two primary terrorizers of Teddy and our OLine were both highly-drafted by the NFL, so there was that small bit of solace.

It also pays to recall that the Offensive coordinator was changed in midseason. As to how that affects the team with an entire Spring and Fall under the same guy may remain to be seen, but he did oversee a substantial improvement in numbers and results.

I believe UofL's strengths are at QB and in the receiving corps. I also believe us strong on our own DLine. The returning starters in the secondary make it at least a credible group, but especially with consensus all-league Hassan Smith at Safety, and Bushnell (a senior, by the way) at the CB position.

I see UK's biggest weakness on the OLine, so we get a similar situation at each side of the ball. As everyone realizes, UofL comes with blitzes incessantly, so I suspect UK to catch lightning in a bottle now and then with dumps over the middle. In fact, I suspect middle passes to be your bread and butter, along with some misdirection - an aspect of football I have always liked and which seems to have caught UofL an inordinate number of times in general.

Bridgewater completed 63% of his throws last season, mostly to a young corps of freshman receivers. I expect the routes to be run better, needless to say, but there is no arguing with Bridgewater's accuracy. For Louisville to win, he has to stay healthy. While I am sort of a Stein fan, I worry about his nerves on occasion, to say nothing of his soze. He is the perfect holdover from krags, lol.

I think Teddy has a big game and that we run the ball better in games following this one. The biggest detriment for UK could be heat - and who can replace the excellent DLine personnel in some sort of seamless fashion. Depth will be an issue if it stays hot and Lord knows it plans on it, lol.

In any case, good luck and thanks for the insights. I played high school football and hated every second of it, lol, but I must say I enjoy watching mesomorphs kick each others' asses.

That was deep.

I think this is a pretty fair assessment.

UK's best projected position is probably it's DL. The projected 3 starters and 2 of 3 backups have seen extensive time. UL has some experience mixed with youth on the OL, albeit youth that got experience.

UL's DL is not its best projected position, but has some good players. In my opinion, there is an issue of depth here unless some freshmen are called on. UK's OL is somewhat similar to UL's in that there are some returning veterans mixed with youth, but overall is probably marginally less experienced.

Bridgewater is certainly the more proven of the two QBs that will play the game, and I like his young WR targets. Given Caffey's recent eligibility troubles, UK's front four and DBs will have to execute very well.

I think this is a relatively close game if UK gets serviceable QB/WR play and better-than average DL/DB/OL play. UK will have to hold Bushell in check in the return game and use a good offensive pace that takes advantage of UL's depth issues. If those things happen, UK will likely win. If they do not, UL probably keeps the Cup.

I believe the game will be close as always one touchdown or less. As far as the UofL DL, they have young but quality experience at nose with Dunn and his backup Brooks. UK has quality QB's and are a team that finished the season on a high that will no doubt carry over. It's going to be fun and regardless of the outcome we both need to keep winning to raise the standard of both of our programs.

Anything at all? I had a whole list of things I thought I saw that looked better, but then I read your comment and realized you were right.

Absolutely nothing looked better from the first game of 2011 to the first fall practice of 2012. Exactly the same.

You're gonna be surprised by our young talent on D. We've got speed, size and length at almost all positions. This isn't the same kind of team you saw last year I don't think. Agree that the advantage at QB goes to the Cards but we might be able to rattle Bridgewater with pressure.

Great input. Thanks for your time.