Brandishing, another altogether.

Rick Pitino has used the former, advertising terminology, regarding his mission at U of L. As in “rebranding the program.” I hate such talk, but know what he means.

Brandishing is what former Cardinal baller Terrence Williams has been charged with. As in waving a gun about in a threatening manner toward the mother of his child.

The former might be a reprehensible concept as far as college athletics are concerned, but it’s accepted behavior, even the norm these days.

The latter is a crime.

T-Will’s pro career has been spotty at best. This development certainly can’t help his standing with the Celtics, who apparently can opt out of their contract with Williams anytime before Halloween.

The occurence, sadly, is not surprising. It was well known in and around the U of L community that Williams had a predilection for packing heat.

While he was one of the more popular U of L players of the Pitino Era, I found him to be a most disagreeable sort. Frankly, he’s my least favorite Cardinal of the Pitino Era, but that’s neither here nor there. I certainly don’t wish him ill. But do hope that justice is served. The charge against him is serious.

* * * * *

At the other end of the spectrum is Teddy Bridgewater.

Who, it is reported, has asked Charlie Strong and the U of L starmaker machinery to forgo any Heisman Trophy PR campaign.

* * * * *

An eagle-eyed reader sent me the latest Capital One Cup Standings.

Even that program’s web site doesn’t fully explain how the points are calculated. But the purpose is to measure the strength of the entire athletic programs of the nations’s colleges. Louisville’s male athletes rank 3d behind Michigan and Indiana, which are knotted at the top of the standings.

U of L’s female athletes rank 16th.

I know that national championships get you points. I’m not sure if how far a school advances in the post season is a factor? Or, if league titles count?

Whatever. Those lofty perches confirm what Louisville Cardinal fans have been saying to each other this entire school year: “It’s a great time to be a Cardinal fan.”

* * * * *

By the by, the U of L nine won the Big East regular season pennant with a sweep of Pitt last weekend.

* * * * *

Coming soon are some of the biggest events internationally in car racing.

Indy 500.

Monte Carlo Grand Prix.

Coca Cola 600.

And the grandest event of them all, coming up on the 25th of the month right across the river on the hallowed asphalt of the Jeffersonville Sportsdrome.

School Bus Figure 8s.

To paraphrase someone more eloquent than myself, about a far lesser event, “You ain’t been nowhere, or ever done nothin’ til you been to the School Bus Figure 8s.”

There is no exhilaration in the world of sport quite like seeing a couple of big yellows t-boning at the crossroads.

* * * * *

I would be remiss if I failed to mention that my Detroit Red Wings are up 2-1 on Chitown in the Western Division semis of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Black Hawks have been on cruise control all season after starting out unbeaten in something like their first 25 games. The boys from Hockeytown seem to have caught the Second City gang looking ahead.

* * * * *

While I’m on the subject of sports you could care less about, and to clear off the desk, did you notice what’s happened recently in the world of European soccer?

Of course not. Briefly . . .

Lowly Wigan upset Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.

Athletico Madrid beat crosstown rival Real Madrid for the first time in like a quarter century to capture the Copa del Rey.

And Dortmund Borussia will face Bayern Munchen in all-German Champions League Final on the 25th. (Don’t worry the game at Wembley will be over in time for you to make it across the river to the Sportsdrome.)

As I’m sure you’re aware, this matchup is also totally unexpected. An all-Spanish final would have been chalk. Dortmund bested Real Madrid by aggregate score in the semis, while Bayern bashed Messi-less Barcelona, 4-0 and 3-0. (Each match has two games, one on each team’s pitch. Total score advances. Away goals trump home goals.)

* * * * *

Brett Favre is still retired.

Later.

– Seedy K

Of course, we all forgot to wear them come game time.

As we know, the Cards terminated Florida’s Gators with extreme prejudice anyway. (It’s an “Apocalypse Now” reference. Ask a film buff.) Today I’ve donned that gift t-shirt.

This energized city is still talking. Every third vehicle has U of L flags waving from its window.

While the college pigskin planet was stunned and chatted up the Sugar Bowl incessantly, it was but a one day news cycle. Last night, the attention went to the Quack, who dismantled K State in the Fiesta Bowl. Today, the chit chat is all Johnny Football vs. Boomer Sooner, with a look ahead to that Tide/ Irish matchup.

My favorite story on the Cards’ W appeared in the Orlando Sentinel, written by Mike Bianchi. You can read it here.

I still haven’t had a chance to watch the replay, but I do have some final thoughts about the game and its aftermath.

* * * * *

Charlie Strong and his staff did an incredible job preparing the Cardinals for this game.

U of L took the field without a hint of intimidation. When the Gators woofed, the Cards ignored the distraction, kept their cool, and lined up for the next play. Louisville made its breaks, and didn’t sulk during the few ugly moments for the victors.

Dave Borbely’s O Line did a fine job, even though the Cards didn’t garner many yards on the ground, and Teddy B was sacked a few times. Up 7-0 midway through the 1st quarter, the Cards had it first and goal at the Gator 1. The line opened a hole for Jeremy Wright that was wide enough for a Mardi Gras float and a couple brass bands, playing “Feets Don’t Fail Me Now.” When Teddy B needed protection on 3d down, well, he got enough to complete 7 of 11 passes, all for first downs. Louisville was 2 for two when keeping it on the ground to gain the 1st.

Clint Hurtt’s D line gave up an insignificant number of rushing yards. They tallied five tackles for loss and three sacks. When Florida absolutely had to have a two point conversion after its last TD to stay in contention, Marcus Smith sacked the QB. Ball game.

Even though it was obvious the Cards weren’t going to gain significant yards rushing, Shawn Watson called just enough running plays to keep the D honest. And added some 5-10 yard West Coastish pass patterns to gain that short yardage. By the end of the game, the Cards O line finally wore down Florida’s D line.

Vance Bedford had the whole D ready. Preston Brown was a beast at LB. Andrew Johnson’s pick in the end zone was, duh, huge. Terrell Floyd’s pick six on the first play from scrimmage set the tone. There was something about the visual of him running like a gazelle down the sideline untouched with the pigskin, his dreadlocks waving in the breeze from under his helmet that was a catalyst for the team . . . and the Cardinal throng in the SuperDome stands.

* * * * *

I may be the only one, but I can’t help but compare Charlie Strong’s first signature win as a Cardinal coach to Denny Crum’s.

In his very first attempt, in his very first BCS bowl game as a head coach, Strong beat Florida, the school where he coached many years and won two national crowns.

It took Denny Crum three tries to best his alma mater UCLA in the Final Four, losing in the ’72 and ’75 national semi-finals before besting the Bruins for his first crown in ’80.

* * * * *

Louisville won despite leaving 10 points on the field.

Up 30-10, U of L had a first goal at the Florida 4, after forcing a fumble. That offensive possession went in reverse, resulting in a missed field goal. Another time they had three points wiped off the board due to an odd chop block call.

They stayed the course. They chewed up half the 3d Q on that missed FG drive. The drive that resulted in U of L’s final 3 points took a couple ticks less than 8 minutes off the clock.

* * * * *

Of all Teddy B’s amazing clutch plays during the win, my favorite was that 3d-and-14, laser strike between three defenders to Eli Rogers for 25 yards and “another Cards first down.” It kept the drive alive that resulted in Louisville’s 2d TD.

* * * * *

Did I hear the Sugar Bowl guy, during the award ceremony after the game, salute Cardinals fans and say, “Without red, we’d be dead?”

Or, did I just read it somewhere?

Either way, here’s another very important message sent — and received — by those dictators of the college pigskin planet: Louisville travels!!!!!

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/01/04/pour-it-on-sugar-strong-last-musings-on-the-sugar-bowl/feed/ 3 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/12/hump-day-harrumphs-petrino-redux-new-fave-unis-messi-more/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/12/hump-day-harrumphs-petrino-redux-new-fave-unis-messi-more/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:55:38 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8083 Okay, I’ve looked in my heart and consulted the rational me. I now realize that Western Kentucky didn’t make that egregious a mistake when it hired Bobby Petrino. Actually, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense . . . given the circumstances.

What I’d somehow forgotten when I kneejerked my negative reaction is the odious cesspool that college sports has become. There is but one standard: Win. Only rarely does any other consideration become part of the conversation. That’s a given.

I am sad about that. I am sad that Western Ky is but the latest school to co-opt its purported institutional values when making a decision regarding its athletic program. But it’s the name of the game.

If Petrino leaves after next season, the Toppers essentially get him for free. (And he will leave before a second season. I’ve set the over/ under on the length of his stay at 11 months, 21 days.) His buy out would more than compensate for his salary and any reasonable bonuses he might earn in the next annum. Plus he will sell seats, and increase TV revenue.

So, the hire is a financial no brainer.

There are these other considerations, which I failed to compute when bashing the hire. He will win. Petrino is one of the five best coaches in college football. How often does a school like Western get to have such proven talent on the sideline? Correct answer: You’re lookin’ at it. This is it.

His hire has generated more publicity for Western Ky football in the last 72 hours than all of that which came before. Don’t be surprised if Western’s game with UK is televised by The World Wide Leader. Perhaps the one against Tennessee also. The Toppers might become Mr. Tuesday Night Football.

Any other coach the school might have hired, who continued to generate a program uptick like Willie Taggert, would also jump ship for another job, just as Petrino is going to do. This is forever and always a stepping stone school in college pigskin.

Apparently, Petrino’s wife drinks the Kool Aid. She dutifully showed up at the introductory press conference.

What I also forgot, when railing against the hire, were my own words. When it looked like Charlie Strong might leave U of L, and rumors were murmured that Tom Jurich and Petrino were in contact and mending fences, I was among the many who said, “Hire him.”

So, there ya go. I stand corrected. Good work, Hilltoppers. For you, I hope there are many Ws. And that Bobby P keeps his fly zipped, his anger reasonably in check and he deals with those in the Western community with a respect heretofore not displayed as part of his repertoire.

A final note to the folks at Arkansas State. You snooze, you lose.

I know for a fact that said school, who lost Gus Malzahn to Auburn, was considering Petrino. I sat next to a member of the U of L athletic community over the weekend, while he was on the phone with a rep from that school, answering questions about Petrino and his character.

* * * * *

It’s Finals Week, so there’s not a lot of college hoops on the telly. After consuming a new episode of “Holmes on Homes,” my current favorite show on DIY, I caught the end of the Knicks vs. Brooklyn NBA game.

It was actually pretty exciting for a tilt this early in the pro season, the Spike Lees winning on a Jason Kidd trey. (Isn’t he about 50 now? Kidd, I mean.)

Anyway, what I really love are Brooklyn’s unis. Simple. Plain classic black lettering on white. Kind of old school. Classy.

* * * * *

I did watch some of the Big Five matchup between Villanova and St. Joseph’s. One of the laments of my life is that I’ve never experienced a Big Five doubleheader in the Palestra. Sigh. Not many of them played anymore.

These rivalry games are brutal. Blood baths.

Like many, this one was down to the wire. The Hawks goat was Halil Kanacevic. He made plenty of mistakes at the end, including throwing the ball off himself on an inbounds with seconds to play that sealed the deal.

Frankly, it was justice. The kid made only one FG during the tilt, a trey midway through the second half that gave his team the lead. After sinking the shot, he turned to the Nova student section and gave them a double bird salute. That’s right, he raised the middle finger of both hands.

It’s a forty minute game, son.

* * * * *

I’ve got to give a shout out to my man, Lionel Messi.

He’s undoubtedly the best soccer player in the world today. Arguably the best ever.

He set a single year scoring record in 2012 with 86 goals in all matches, playing for FC Barcelona in La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League, and for his home country, Argentina, in international competition.

Here, for your viewing pleasure, are all 86:

* * * * *

The Big East, on its last legs for absolutely sure, announced the home and away conference games for next season. (At least, until the next shake up.) The Cards have to travel to Boise State.

More important, the league no longer makes sense. It’s not a done deal yet, but the hoops-only schools will 1) either form their own basketball league, or 2) be absorbed by the busting at the seams A-21.

It’s inevitable.

Which means for the Memphis States and Tulanes and Houstons of the world: Back in the C, back in the C, back in the C-USA.

* * * * *

Finally, for your viewing pleasure, the worst FT ever shot.

– Seedy K

Charlie Strong is a man who needn’t look in the mirror, and ask “Who is the fairest of them all?”

That wasn’t the reflection that Charlie Strong needed nor sought when faced with the question that, sooner or later, we all must ask.

When Charlie Strong had to decide whether he was the man he represented himself to be, he looked in his heart.

He answered Yes.

Charlie Strong assumed the head football coaching position at Louisville with a true sense of humility, grateful that an opportunity for which he’d worked so long finally came, dedicated to the values we espouse. Loyalty. Responsibility. Neighborliness. Hard work.

He has proven his words were not lip service.

As we all are at some point along the paths we take, Charlie Strong faced temptation.

As a young black kid growing up in the rural Ozarks desiring to be a baseball player, how could he ever have imagined that one of the hallowed traditions of college football would one day beseech him to sit in the seat of legends? Yet here he was, sitting with his family and conflicting emotions, considering the implausibility of it all.

Is it possible, he must have inquired of himself, that I really will pass on the opportunity to coach at one of the premier programs in the land?

To his eternal credit, Charlie Strong, Man in Full, man of his word, answered Yes, there is work still be to be done where I am. Yes, there are thousands of people here who have put their faith in me, who have trusted me, to whom I owe this moment.

Who of the ambitious among us can say we would have made the same decision? That we would have been so firmly seeded in our dedication to loyalty and trust that we would have spurned an improbable to comprehend chance of a lifetime?

This week Charlie Strong proved he is the man he said he is. He proved himself the man we have always hoped him to be.

Charlie Strong is a Man in Full.

* * * * *

Much has been made of the fact that football at U of L has been different than basketball. That, despite some minor slippage in the declining years of the Crum Era, the Cardinals have been in the upper echelon of college hoops since the 1960s. That football has been an athletic afterthought, a wannabe program without the intangibles to rise to the top.

So I’m thinking of the Sunday of  that weekend in San Diego in 1975. Denny Crum had taken U of L to two Final Fours in his first in his first four seasons. The Cards had just been blindsided by Crum-mentor John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins in the national semi-finals. After which the Wizard of Westwood announced his retirement.

It made that loss the day before even more bittersweet. There was no doubt that Denny Crum, who had obviously learned well at the side of the master, who obviously was well along the road to becoming a coaching legend himself, would move to his teacher’s seat in Pauley Pavilion.

But Denny Crum stayed in Louisville.

Consider how momentous that decision has been not only for Cardinal basketball, but for the entire athletic program, the university and the City of Louisville. What might our city be like today had Crum moved back to Cali?

Charlie Strong’s decision to stay is arguably more resonant.

Not only for the football program, though the events of the last week herald an entirely new momentum there. But for the university and the City of Louisville.

Charlie Strong said this is my home. Said you in Louisville have believed in me and I must honor that.

What a stand up guy.

* * * * *

Lee Corso left for Indiana.

Howard Schnellenberger left for Oklahoma.

John L. Smith left for Michigan State.

Bobby Petrino left for the most recent suitor that called.

Charlie Strong stayed.

– Seedy K

Like Bobby Petrino, that’s the Charlie Strong we want.

With a lead of less than a score, a BCS playoff spot on the line, the clock still five minutes from expiring, and the ball backed up in the other team’s red zone, we want that man’s man drive. Three yards off left tackle. A trap to the right for three more. Smash mouth first downs until the gun sounds, the Cards still yards from the end zone, the defenders gasping for air, victory in hand.

Like The Schnell, that’s the Charlie Strong we want.

Then, in his post game presser, he’d wax Schnellenbergian, say how his offensive line had “persevered into the upper echelons of fortitude.”

On his Monday weekly meet and greet with the press, he’d sit down with his own BBQ on bun and, glib as John L., shoot the shit for an hour with Crawford and Cowgill and the latest new guy at the Courier.

That’s the Charlie Strong we want.

On the radio call-in, out in the community, he’d be a showman like Corso.

That’s the Charlie Strong we want.

Instead what we see, what we hear, is what we get.

Three years into his tenure, Charlie Strong remains a mystery. He dances to his own drummer. (It is said, unlike everybody else with stature in his profession, he doesn’t employ an agent.)

The question is who’s the drummer?

Certainly not Billy Cobham who is all over his kit with four way independence. Or Buddy Rich, who commanded the spotlight. Or, even Ringo Starr, unassuming but perfect for the geniuses creating around him.

Cedric Burnside perhaps. Born of the rural south, with its indignities masked by the primordial rhythms of the Delta. A beat so strong, so focused straight ahead, so intent on avoiding distraction, it could dig a trench ten feet deep before the 4:43 of his grandfather’s “It’s Bad You Know” finished.

Charlie Strong’s from Batesville, population 10,250, in northeastern Arkansas. The Ozarks. Read: The rural south.

Here’s what I know of his upbringing, gleaned from the 90 seconds of one on one I have been able to steal during his tenure here. Baseball was his first love. He gave it up, because he had to work in summers at his uncle’s gas station to help make ends meet at home.

That’s all I can tell you. Plus this. He learned he needed to work hard if he wanted to succeed.

The rest is observation.

Charlie Strong’s a wary man. Confidant of his abilities, he was passed over for years when jobs came up.

Because of the color of his skin? Because of the color of his wife’s skin? Because his grammar would make a school marm squirm? Because other candidates were more qualified?

Whatever. It happened. He learned that hard work is often not enough.

He’s now proven his mettle, three years in on the Belknap Campus. From no bowls the years before he came to one named for a second-rate chain eatery his first season, one named for a department store chain the second, and now the real deal. Sugar Bowl. New Orleans. New Year’s.

So the suitors have come a callin’, as they never did before. Or so it is said.

Charlie Strong won’t say.

Charlie Strong won’t say what we want to hear him say, “I’m grateful for my opportunity here at Louisville. I am L1C4.”

What Charlie Strong does say is cryptic. He’d rather not say anything. But we push. We want to know. We need to know.

So Charlie Strong, devoid of PR savvy, talks in circles. Starts. Stops. Parries. Mumbles. Retracts.

Charlie Strong’s drummer has lost the beat.

– Seedy K

Perspective, gentlemen. (And I use the word “gentlemen” in its broadest possible context.)

Oh to suffer New Year’s in New Orleans. How will ye ever manage to survive such hardship?

The two Cardinal football seasons before Charlie Strong arrived ended with 14-63 and 14-34 losses to Rutgers. Three bowl-less seasons in a row. The last two have ended with games in the, ahem, Beef O’Brady’s Bowl and Belk Bowl. Don’t those romantically named affairs just roll off your tongue.

Now you’re complaining about getting to compete against the highest ranked school in the land not playing for the BCS title. In America’s greatest city no less.

Gimme a fuckin’ break.

* * * * *

Charlie Strong is having his weekly press conference today at noon.

I’m sure he’ll be asked, in some fashion or another, about the rumors that he’s talked with administrators at Auburn and Tennesee and ______ (Fill in the blank) about their vacant head coaching positions.

Given his less than stellar PR acumen, I’m sure Strong will give a skewed response.

Of course, I got nervous yesterday when it was reported that he was chatting up the folks down Rocky Top way. That Big Orange was going to offer him Nick Saban $$$ to move to Knoxville.

But I still thought then as I do now. That Charlie Strong’s sense of loyalty to Tom Jurich and U of L for giving him the opportunity to be a head coach would trump any offer coming his way at this time.

He can now recruit to a major conference. He has Teddy B, DeVante P and a solid D coming back. His kids love it here, where their interracial family has been accepted without a second thought.

* * * * *

UK’s distaff hoops squad proved its mettle yesterday, coming back from 14 down to beat U of L at the Yum!.

The Cats play a mighty nettlesome D. The Cardinals never found a rhythm, even when fashioning that advantage early in the second half. Kentucky has the better team. U of L should have won the game. Kentucky simply wasn’t going to lose.

Card fans must remember that Monique Reid is still playing with a bad wheel. And two starters haven’t seen a minute of action yet this season. Jeff Walz’s team will improve.

One can only hope the same for Shoni Schimmel.

Hers is, frankly, a sad case. She has Angel McCoughtry talent. She plays with a Pistol Pete panache. (Yes, it’s true. She made a behind the back dish on a three-on-one break yesterday that was Maravich worthy.)

But her decision making hasn’t improved since her first game as a Cardinal. She committed 11 turnovers yesterday. Against only 4 assists. And was 4/15 from the field. As I’ve discussed previously, she is way out of shape.

I say this not to rag on her. She reminds me of former Cardinal Tony Kimbro in that she’s letting superstar talent go to waste.

* * * * *

My new favorite candidate for college hoops All Name Team. Wichita State’s Cleanthony Early, who was MVC Newcomer of the Week last week.

* * * * *

I’m sure I’ll be talking more about the bowl games in the weeks to come.

But must mention from the get go, that there are a couple of really spicy non-BCS matchups.

Thanks to Northern Illinois crashing the party, Oklahoma will meet Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. South Carolina vs. Michigan in the Outback Bowl ought to be interesting. LSU and Clemson meet in the Chicken Bowl to claim which has the deathest of Death Valleys.

Toledo vs. Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl should be . . . okay, I’m trying to be cute. But the truth is, there’s always a bowl game or two between such schools as those that provide really entertaining games.

Among the BCS games, Oregon vs. Kansas State is easily as intriguing a matchup as the Fighting Irish vs. Crimson Tide. Just a couple of weeks ago, those contrasting styles of play were destined to meet up for all the marbles. We get the game anyway.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/03/monday-morning-qb-cards-cats-bowls-strong/feed/ 1 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/02/sunday-morning-qb-strong-rumors-rampant/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/02/sunday-morning-qb-strong-rumors-rampant/#comments Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:26:13 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8052 Frankly I found it odd that U of L’s football team and Coach Charlie Strong weren’t paraded onto the court at one of the many timeouts yesterday at the Yum! during the Illinois State basketball game.

Actually, disconcerting is a more apt descriptor.

The rumor du jour is that Strong interviewed for the Tennessee job. Again, as with the Auburn situation, Strong has told a member of the media, this time a reporter for Fox Sports, that the Rocky Top rumors are false. Or, so says the reporter.

So, here we go . . . again.

I’m on record as opinionating my take on Strong is that he feels a sense of loyalty to Tom Jurich and U of L above and beyond the norm for his ladder climbing profession. Louisville, with Teddy B and a defense totally returning, is sure to be pre-season Top 10, or better, next campaign.

I would be flummoxed if Strong jumped ship now.

That said, the rumors are that Tennessee is offering Strong more money per year than Alabama pays Nick Saban. And he’s won three BCS crowns, with another in the offing come January. $5 mill per year, the figure floating about, is, as they say, mucho dinero.

That’s enough to turn anybody’s head, even the most loyal person.

Hell, for that I’d go on Fox News every night and let Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly beat me up.

I’m sure Tom Jurich will sweeten Charlie’s pot. It’s the nature of the game, most recently played by Les Miles.

Deep Pockets Owsley Frazier is no longer with us. Steve Trager, come on down.

* * * * *

One last thought on yesterday’s Cardinal hoops W.

Illinois State played that tough without its starting point guard, Kaza Keane.

I’m impressed. They’ll be my team come Arch Madness.

* * * * *

There have been better athletic days in the history of Nicholls State than yesterday.

The Southland Conference school was nudged on the hardwood by Michigan State, 39-84.

On the gridiron, the Colonels were tripped up by Oregon State, 3-77.

Composite score: Nicholls State 42, Opponents 161.

* * * * *

James Quick played for Trinity in its title romp over PRP.

He played with two broken ribs.

Impressive.

You ever had a broken rib? I have. It hurt a lot. For a long time. I had to sleep in chair for 6 weeks.

* * * * *

I’m sure my fellow Kentuckians are as proud as I am of a new record recently set in the commonwealth.

During hunting season, a record 92.737 whitetail deer were, what’s the proper term? Harvested? Slain? Killed?

* * * * *

UK and U of L women’s hoops this evening at 6:00.

Both teams are in the top ten, adding zest to the rivalry.

I’ll be in the house. You?

* * * * *

While I watched nary a play of Florida State’s slog over Georgia Tech in the ACC title game, I did surf through the pre-game, when Brent Musburger and Herbie were setting up the game against a backdrop of empty seats.

The announced attendance in Charlotte was 62,000+. Didn’t know they’d hired the UK stat crew for the game.

Truth is the only leagues that can fill a neutral site for this type of affair are the SEC and Big Ten.

The ACC needs to adopt the PAC-12 way of doing things. Play it on one of the participant’s fields. Figure out a fair formula to determine the most deserving school, and it becomes host.

* * * * *

I know the show must go on and all that razzmatazz.

It’s still hard to believe they’ll be playing pro football in Kansas City today.

– Seedy K

Need I say his name? Uh, I didn’t think so.

But I want to start with James Burgess, Calvin Pryor and Official Statistician, Piscataway SubStation.

At 9:13 of the 1st Quarter, Rutgers scored on its first offensive play of the game. An 85 yard TD pass from Gary Nova to Brandon Coleman. While most of the Cardinal defenders contributed to the breakdown, the main villain was normally stalwart Calvin Pryor. He had Coleman in his grasp, seemingly wrapped up not much beyond the scrimmage line. But he didn’t close the deal. So we watched Coleman scamper down the sideline as the stadium erupted.

At 8:58 of the second quarter, Rutgers scored on a 2d & 8. A 68 yard TD pass from Gary Nova to Mark Harrison. While most of the Cardinal defenders contributed to the breakdown, the main villain was frosh LB James Burgess. He had Harrison in his grasp, seemingly wrapped up not much beyond the scrimmage line. But he didn’t close the deal. So we watched Harrison scamper down the sideline as the stadium again erupted.

Of course, after such a glorious conclusion to the whole affair, I’m not going to leave Pryor and Burgess out on the plank.

Because that duo persevered, as did a truly game Louisville Cardinal football team.

Calvin Pryor ended up the Cards’ leading tackler with 7.

James Burgess ended up with 4 tackles, including one for a loss. And a key interception — a really key interception — which gave U of L the ball to drive for the winning score.

Which brings me to Stat Man. The play of the game — no, it wasn’t by you know who, the guy I’ll get to in a minute — was the fumble forcing hit in the final seconds of the 3d Q on the kickoff after Louisville’s first TD. It looked to me that #19 jarred the ball loose with what my jayvee coach would have called a “good lick.” That would have been Terell Floyd.

C-J beat reporter C.L. Brown saw the same thing.

Yet Stat Man reported officially that #13 caused the fumble. That would be James Burgess.

I stand by what I saw. But it is of no matter. Floyd had his shining moment, so clear that even Stat Man got it right. Which was that diving pick that sealed the game with 1:06 to play.

Which is to say that, miscues be damned, Pryor and Burgess made the plays when it mattered. So too, Floyd.

Given that all’s well that ends well, Stat Man also gets a pass too.

* * * * *

Teddy Bridgewater.

I repeat: Teddy Bridgewater.

Not only is he the BEST QB ever to wear a Cardinal uni. (I know, I know, Johnny U. I don’t wanna hear about it. He was never as good as a Cardinal as Teddy B.) But TB’s also the main answer to this pertinent, if peripheral, question: Why won’t Charlie Strong jump to Auburn? Or Tennessee? Or Arkansas?

20/28. 263 yards. His interception actually should have been caught by the wideout. And two TDs, each stunning in its own way. The shuffle pass to Jeremy Wright for the first score actually came after TB scrambled a bit on that gimpy ankle. The 20 yard rainbow to Devante Parker was arced through double coverage.

Football players play hurt all the time. It’s the nature of the game, the character of those who play it with passion. Bridgewater did what football players are wont to do. He played hurt. Really hurt. With a broken wrist. And an ankle that should have been elevated this Thursday night atop a pile of pillows on an ottoman.

Leaders lead.

* * * * *

Will Stein also gets a game ball. Had he played the entire game as QB, you know, I know and he knows Rutgers would have prevailed. But he did his job, making some key 1st downs.

Brilliant effort.

* * * * *

John Wallace’s two big FGs, including the clutch game winner with 1:41 to play, were huge. He was but a smidge short on his 47 yard attempt.

* * * * *

Underscoring how astounding this W is, I present this stat. Louisville rushed the ball 41 times. For 42 yards. The Cards won when Rutgers knew they had to pass to advance the ball.

Louisville shouldn’t have thrown long as much as it did. Given TB’s condition and the nature of the game, it was obvious that a West Coast O philosophy was in order.

Witness U of L’s first TD drive. 90 yards. 7:20. Which included completions of 8, 5, 13, 7 and 14 to Wright for the score. Yes, there were also connections for 26 yards and 19 yards, but those were available because of the dinks and dumps. U of L netted 3 yards rushing on the drive. Two of those were a Stein scramble for a 1st.

* * * * *

U of L converted 8/19 Third Downs. 1/2 on 4th. Rutgers was 3/11 and 0/1. Rutgers started 0 plays in the Red Zone. Louisville had 4 Red Zone opportunities, resulting in 2 TDs and 2 FGs.

Possession time was decidedly lopsided in L’s favor: 42.11 > 17:49.

Other than those two long TD plays, the Cards dominated.

* * * * *

It was far from a perfect effort. Still some odd play calling. Still no running game. Still some missed tackles and assignments. U of L allowed Rutgers to score on its opening drive for the first time this season. The Scarlet Knights had exceeded their season average of tackles for loss midway through the 2d Quarter.

But . . . Big Plays . . . Big Stops . . . Big Completions . . . Big Receptions . . . Big Heart.

Big W. Strong W.

One of the biggest in school history.

* * * * *

The Cards should — operative word: should — be BCS bound.

Remember, it is not a sure thing until Sunday night. Strange things happen with the flawed BCS. Any system in which Kent State — a 33 point loser to UK — might sneak into a spot is cockamamie by definition.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/11/30/louisville-card-file-rutgers-5/feed/ 3 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/11/29/thursdays-tidbits-cleaning-off-my-desk/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/11/29/thursdays-tidbits-cleaning-off-my-desk/#comments Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:19:20 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8038 Last night I experienced the oddest feeling. So odd was it I almost called EMS.

While watching the finale of the Made For TV Big Ten/ ACC Showdown, I found myself actually rooting for . . . Duke.

Frankly, though unexpected, it was not totally inexplicable.

One, I dislike Ohio State — yes, even more than the Blue Devils — because: 1) from all I hear, Thad Matta’s about as dirty a coach as is out there when it comes to recruiting, and 2) Buckeye fans cheered when former players carried Jim Tressel off the field on their shoulders last Saturday before the Michigan game.

Also, I had a moment during the Atlantis tourney when I realized that Duke just about always really plays a sweet, fundamental game of basketball. And, when Dickie V isn’t calling the action, and therefore there’s not a constant litany of over the top plaudits, I’ve finally accepted and come to begrudgingly admire the continued excellence.

Most important, I guess, is that I’ve always rooted for U of L’s conference mates when they’re playing a school from another league. If you haven’t been paying attention, the Cardinals are going to be members of the ACC.

* * * * *

Speaking of which stunning turn of events, I must opine that yesterday was NOT the biggest day in the history of U of L sports. It was huge, don’t get me wrong. It is an acknowledgement, finally, that U of L has officially reached playah status on the national collegiate sports scene.

But, again, it’s not the biggest day ever for Louisville Cardinal sports, as some radioheads were hyperventilating.

There are many events equally important, perhaps more so. The day Denny Crum was hired. The day in ’80 when Louisville won its first NCAA crown. The day Howard Schnellenberger was hired. The day Louisville won the Fiesta Bowl. The day Tom Jurich was hired. (By the by, a belated thanks to then prexy John Shumaker for making that hire. One as astute and successful as all those made by TJ save one.)

There is even empirical evidence that Louisville’s entry into the Big East from the C-USA was bigger than the upgrade to the ACC.

Which contrarianism isn’t meant to diminish yesterday’s dumfounding development.

It’s a good thing.

* * * * *

I posted this last night on Facebook.

Hear me now. Believe me later. Charlie Strong will be coaching the U of L Cardinals next season.

But, as I also posted, I have no inside information. From close observation of Strong, it is my belief that he is not giving mere lip service when he expresses his gratitude for being hired and his loyalty to Tom Jurich for giving him the coaching opportunity. I truly believe that he may cut from a different bolt of cloth than the Todd Grahams of the profession.

I would be very surprised if Strong moves on after only three years. Especially now that Louisville is in an elite conference.

* * * * *

Frankly I don’t know whether Mark Stoops is a good hire at UK or not?

I certainly hope so. Many pundits more in the know than I think so.

His task is Herculean. But not impossible.

* * * * *

I was struck again last weekend while watching, as usual, more than my share of college football, how much I love its overtime rules.

I dare say it’s the most significant rule change in college sports in a long while. The only possible contender that immediately comes to mind is the institution of the three point shot in ’86-’87.

It’s just really exciting. And really fair.

* * * * *

In a last bit ugliness, I feel compelled to advise I finished my regular season picking games with my 3d losing record in the last four weeks. Only Ohio State — ugh — won for me. Southern Cal, Florida State, UK and U of L did not. I finished the year, 37-28.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/11/29/thursdays-tidbits-cleaning-off-my-desk/feed/ 3 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/11/04/louisville-card-file-temple/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/11/04/louisville-card-file-temple/#comments Sun, 04 Nov 2012 15:34:51 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=7966 Yes, U of L is now 9-0 for the first time ever. It’s a good thing. A great thing. As a Cardinal fan of long standing, I’m pleased as punch.

The Cardinal Nation is aghast that no respect is forthcoming from the national punditry.

To which I say, calm down, there are any number of legitimate reasons why the sporting blogosphere could care less about the Cards.

Starting with this startling number. The nine foes U of L has vanquished are a combined 25-53 on the year. Louisville beat winless Southern Miss by 4, hapless FIU by 7 and 2-6 South Florida by a deuce.

It is true, you only play whom you play. And the Cards have eaten everything on their plate so far. But to gain respect, Louisville needs to beef up its schedule. (To mix a couple metaphors.) It’s time for Tom Jurich to rethink his scheduling philosophy, to realize he has to trade 1 at home for 2 on the road, or even one and done away, to get the likes of Georgia and Ohio State to play.

The Big East is getting no respect because the Big East doesn’t deserve respect. (And don’t give me any Pitt almost won in South Bend malarkey. The operative word there: almost. This wasn’t a game of cornhole. Pitt had it and choked.)

Louisville’s unblemished record comes thanks to the blessing of incompetent opposition.

* * * * *

Here’s another reason why Louisville’s record is suspect, why they are college pigskin’s Rodney Dangerfield.

Temple’s Matt Brown struck the Cardinals’ special teams yesterday for 266 return yards. Hear it again. 266 yards. That is not a typo.

He returned two punts for 39 yards. Avg.: 19.5. One was a 30 yard return on a 32 yard punt.

He returned seven kickoffs for 227 yards. Avg.: 32.5.

Bottom line: Louisville’s special team play sucks. It has all year. Even Charlie Strong mentioned it yesterday after the game without being prompted.

John Wallace had but one out of the endzone kickoff. Ryan Johnson averaged only 38 yards on 5 punts.

Temple had decent to excellent starting points for every one of its offensive drives.

It’s time for Extreme Makeover Special Teams.

* * * * *

Before I move on to the positives, I must mention how disappointing it was to see that Louisville wasn’t ready to play from the get go.

Temple ran the opening kickoff back for a TD.

Louisville was guilty of holding on the ensuing kickoff.

Louisville had a false start on its first play from scrimmage.

Louisville had 5 penalties for 35 lost yards in the first quarter.

With 11:30 to play in the opening half, U of L was tied at 17 with an Owls team that had been outscored 27-82 in its last two games.

Okay, enough. Even I’m tiring of my negativitude.

* * * * *

Teddy Bridgewater is clearly the best QB I’ve ever seen in a Cardinal uniform. (Even I’m too young to have watched Johnny U.)

How good — or mediocre — would this team be without him? I don’t want to go there.

He tossed five TDs yesterday. His first one to Eli Rogers radared through triple coverage.

He was 19/28 for 324 yards. Ho hum. Nine different receivers had at least one catch.

* * * * *

The defense played a little better than it has been. I’d heap more praise, but Temple is a woeful outfit. The Owls fumbled 4 times. At least a couple were self inflicted.

The Cards held the Owls to 10 points over the last 59:48 of the game. To 0 points over the last 41:30.

* * * * *

The roughing the passer call on the Cards early in the 4th quarter when they held on a Temple 3d & 4 was AWFUL. Clearly another Big East officiating gaffe. (Though it didn’t come close to the egregious game changing interference call on Pitt as Notre Dame was driving late in regulation of its officiating-aided W.)

* * * * *

Temple joins the Big East in hoops, not this season but next, 2013-14.

* * * * *

Twenty two coaches were hired the same year as Charlie Strong and Joker Phillips. And Willie Taggert. Three have already been fired. Since then CS is 23-12. Joker is 12-23, and a fellow who, during his post-game show yesterday, sounded like he was ready to order his last meal.

* * * * *

Yesterday’s crowd was announced at 44,609. There were easily 10 to 15 thousand less bodies in the stands than that. Quality of opposition, noon kickoff and cold rain leading up to kickoff contributed to the paltry showing.

You think there would have been more folks in the seats had U of L been playing Mizzou or Miami or Michigan?

– Seedy K