While Jeff Brohm teams are known for their offensive prowess, the Cardinals’ defense is propelling their push for an ACC Championshi
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – When you think of a Jeff Brohm-run program, many typically think about a team that is powered by a high-flying passing attack. Given what the first year head coach of the Louisville football program was able to accomplish at his two previous head coaching gigs in Western Kentucky and Purdue, it would be a fair assumption.
While there has been a heavier emphasis on the run than many expected this season, the Cardinals’s offense has been efficient in his first back at his alma mater. Louisville’s 32.8 points per game ranks 36th in the FBS, while their 447.0 yards per game average comes in at 25th.
Louisville is 7-1 overall and ranked 13th in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Cardinals are also 4-1 in ACC play and in command of their own fate in terms of qualifying for the ACC Championship.
While the offense has obviously contributed to Louisville’s success thus far this season, the driving cause behind their dark horse ACC title drive has been an extraordinarily stout and successful defensive performance.
“It’s been a lot of fun to watch our defense,” Brohm said. “I thought we were pretty good from the day I got here, as far as the talent we had. There was some youth in a lot of positions or some guys who hadn’t played a lot, which was always a concern, and it always will be. But we liked what we saw, and they continue to improve.”
Louisville’s defensive line has a much bigger factor when it comes to generating pressure and disruption, the linebacking corps has not been a detrimental weak spot like many thought it was going to be, and the secondary has been excellent in coverage for most of the year. Put it all together, and you have a defense that ranks No. 19 in points allowed per game at 18.0 and No. 15 in yards allowed per game at 303.4
They’re also mostly gotten healthier on defense as the year has progressed, instead of the other way around. Mason Reiger and Jermayne Lole, two key reserve pieces on the defensive line, have returned from knee and elbow injuries, respectfully, to make plays in recent weeks. Jared Dawson is another depth piece on the defensive line that is back in the fold. Safety Josh Minkins is fully healthy after dealing with a nagging hamstring injury early in the season, and D’Angelo Hutchinson has also added much needed depth at safety with his return from an undisclosed injury.
Leave a Reply