SB Nation User Blog: CardsFan922

"(Stein) didn't lose the game; he played his little tail off all day long," Kragthorpe said. "He...

CardsFan922 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:27:00 -0000

"(Stein) didn't lose the game; he played his little tail off all day long," Kragthorpe said. "He got a little impatient at times, but that's going to happen. No, Will Stein is a winner."

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/2009911070351

It Has Come To This

CardsFan922 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:10:36 -0000

It Has Come To This

Third string, walk-on Freshman QB starting at home in the pouring rain against a crappy, non-BCS opponent, our last reasonable chance at a win this season, on Halloween afternoon in front of the smallest crowd at PJCS possibly ever.

Samuels, Jennings Won't Play Together On Court, Swop at 4?

CardsFan922 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:54:04 -0000

Samuels, Jennings Won't Play Together On Court, Swop at 4?

Well at least we know now. Sounds like Swop will start the 4, and I assume be backed up by Buckles. Although an article a few weeks ago sounds like Goode will play the 4 this year.

I give it until December 11th before a) fans short grace period on Swop ends and b) hundreds of "why aren't Jennings and SS playing together?!?" comments on CardChron, ITV, etc.

Quick Thoughts On Game, Krag

CardsFan922 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:36:43 -0000

More photos » by Ed Reinke - AP

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First, some "breaking" news - in a move that surprises no one (I think Mike called this weeks ago), Adam Froman will be starting at QB tomorrow night, according to Kragthorpe's Twitter. Obviously Froman was who Krag wanted, he got hurt, Burke started, and then Kragthorpe was all like, "uh, Burke's a little banged up" despite him playing the entire game at Utah and despite Froman noticeably limping the entire second half. Anyway, glad everyone got to know Justin Burke so well, I think it's safe to assume it will be awhile before Burke is back on the field while Krag is the coach and Froman is not too badly injured.

Second, you know you are a UofL fan first and a college football fan second still when you don't think twice about going to the USM-UL game tomorrow night on what promises to be a cold night (lows in the 40s) despite the fact the Florida-LSU game is on at the same time. And if you just read that, have tickets and thought, wait, same time? Ugh, what am I going to do? Well....I empathize with you. But I'm going to the game, with really only a brief moment's hesitation. Also a CardChron reader (who shall remain nameless so people don't take their annoyance with CardsFan922 on him) gave me his tickets so that would be a pretty uncool move staying home, in the comfort of my own entertainment room, switching back and forth between our game and LSU-Florida, warm, able to follow the Open Thread.....but seriously, the game will be awesome.

I am excited to go mainly for the 1% chance that they announce Kragthorpe's resignation (effective at the end of the season) or immediate departure at halftime or after the game. Actually, I'm reallllllllllly excited for the .01% chance that they have the cheerleader guy who screams into the mic a prepared statement from Kragthorpe thanking the fans, Jurich and saying that it is time to move on. Like that guy or hate him I can't imagine a funnier thing in this world. "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!!" he would scream. "IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS!!" "THAT I MUST RESIGN MY POSITION AS HEAD COACH!!" "OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE FOOTBALL TEAM!!!" "I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY FRIEND TOM JURICH!!!" "PRESIDENT JAMES RAMSEYYY!!!" "THE COACHING STAFF AND STAFF OF THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT!!!!" "FOR THEIR SUPPORT, HARDWORK, AND FRIENDSHIP!!!" "OVER THESE LAST THREE SEASONS!!!" "WHILE SUCCESS ON THE FIELD IS IMPORTANT!!!!" "I HAVE NO REGRET ABOUT THE SUCCESS WE HAVE HAD OFF THE FIELD!!!" "I LOOK AT MY JOB!!!" "AS TO TURN THESE YOUNG MEN INTO MORE THAN JUST!!" "GOOD FOOTBALL PLAYERS!!!" "BUT GOOD PEOPLE TOO!!!" "MY FAMILY AND I HAVE ENJOYED!!!" "OUR TIME IN LOUISVILLE!!!!" "AND I LOOK FORWARD!!!" "TO THE MANY CHALLENGES AHEAD!!"

I don't know why, but the thought of that guy screaming in his raspy voice a PR-sounding, bland prepared statement at the top of his lungs, turning to both sides of the stadium every few words, just really makes me laugh.

via a.espncdn.com Both of these men will be on the minds of many tomorrow night.

From a football standpoint, the CJ said this week that Vic would get the ball more, and USM had a bad run defense. They also said that USM's backup QB has a cannon. So I think it is safe to say that we will be running the ball and USM will be throwing downfield. And we are two point UNDERDOGS at home to a middle of the pack CUSA team. Ugh.

Finally, there have been so many rumors, and there have been too many, from people who are generally reliable and known to have connections to the athletic department, and everyone seems to have heard the same thing. Until I see it with my own eyes, I'm convinced the guy will be here until the entire season just because it doesn't make sense to fire him mid-season because logistically, who would be the offensive coordinator? And Jurich is too close to the guy and has his reputation too much tied up with Krag's fate to just kick him to the curb in the middle of the season, especially if he beats Southern Miss, because it would seem like he's basically admitted he was wrong to even bring him back. And I'm not so sure if Gruden is the long term answer or even a possibility (or if UK fans have a response to "Parcells to UK" jokes), but he would certainly put us back on the map INSTANTLY and at least early on would be able to tell recruits, I can get you to the National Football League. Can he win games in college? Who knows. Would he be our Wannstache? That's a scary thought. Would I be f'in pumped about UofL football again? Pumped enough to not think twice about going to a cold, rainy night game instead of staying home to watch two top 5 teams play in the Game of the Century. No doubt about it.

So who else is going to the game? Anyone turned down tickets to stay home and watch LSU-Florida? And does anyone else think that screaming cheerleader guy has virtually no effect on the crowd's excitement, and is possibly detrimental? But also likes his enthusiasm and thinks there has to be a better way to channel that enthusiasm? Tell us about it in the comments.

Horrible News For USM: Punter Accidentally Shoots Self, In Critial Condition

CardsFan922 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:35:27 -0000

Horrible News For USM: Punter Accidentally Shoots Self, In Critial Condition

Just awful. Earlier reports were that he had died, but they have since said he is still alive but in critical condition. Thoughts and prayers....

This Week's Open Thread Nomination: Dr. StrangeKrag

CardsFan922 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:09:16 -0000

Or, How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Tommy Tuberville.

Muchos, muchos props to VTCard on ITV who posted this picture in a thread earlier this week. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was destined to sit atop the Open Thread this week. But this is sorta a democracy around here (although Mike's voting bloc = the total number of votes cast in a given poll + 1) so I thought I'd put it up to a vote. What say you, CardChroniclers? Do we have an Open Thread picture for this week?

Poll

Should Dr. StrangeKrag Be The Open Thread Picture This Week Against Southern Miss?

Yes, Dr. StrangeKrag sums up perfectly the state of Louisville football

265 votes

No, while humor is the best medicine, I can't laugh at my beloved football program having been destroyed by a madman

85 votes

I don't really get the reference?

49 votes

399 votes | Poll has closed

Rumors: Froman to Start Tonight

CardsFan922 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:28:37 -0000

Rumors: Froman to Start Tonight

There's also people on ITV claiming it is so. So just remember, you heard it here like 4th.

Kragstacholypse Now: It Will Be Televised?

CardsFan922 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:07:42 -0000

Let's say you are a college football fan who just LIVES for Saturday. On Monday and Tuesday, Saturday seems an eternity away. By Wednesday you are starting to see the Thursday night lights at the end of the tunnel. Sure, these days its usually ACC football, but Thursday night event viewing college football is now a staple for most fans. Friday morning comes, and you can barely contain yourself. Well, my friend (we're still cool, right?), there's good news and there's some bad news for you....the good news is that when you get home after a long day of work, you complete your nightly routine of Friends and Seinfeld reruns on TBS (and think, wait, people used to think Friends was funny and revolutionary?), finish your low-carb meal or Taco Bell, and check out what's on ESPN, your heart will skip a beat: IT'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL! ON FRIDAY NIGHT! TWO BCS SCHOOLS IN A PIVOTAL CONFERENCE SHOWDOWN!

That's the good news my friend. The bad news....and predictions.....after the jump...

The Bad News:

That's right. Thanks to DocCardsFan, the Kragstache will haunt your dreams.

Louisville - Pitt hasn't exactly been appointment viewing since we joined the Big East. In 2005, the teams traded touchdowns in the first 25 seconds when Pitt fumbled the kick-off into the endzone and then returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. The teams combined for six field goals, Michael Bush had two TDs and Kolby Smith added a late TD for a 42-20 win. This would prove to be the best game of the series.

In 2006, Pitt's brilliant strategy of Palko throwing the ball immediately to the WR for a quick gain was foiled by William Gay's coolest interception ever (remember the fake CB blitz where Palko just stepped back and threw it right to Gay?) and a 48-24 beatdown that was mostly boring for us fans, spoiled by great football and disappointed with a 10-1 record. If only we knew.

Anyway, 2007 was the first Kragstacholypse and ended as only Kragstacholypses could. This game was not nationally televised and was in front of a sleepy PJCS early afternoon crowd. The Cards came in 4-4 (1-2) and Pitt was carrying a stellar 3-4 (1-1) season on their sleeves. The Cards, led by an efficient Brian Brohm and his 21-30, 2 TD performance, were ahead most of the game. Pitt tied it up with a 12 play, 76 yard, 4:40 drive. Brohm and the boys answered with a 7-play, 70 yard drive of their own to go ahead on a Brock Bolen TD, 24-17. Backs against the wall, we answered, winning record, here we come! Of course, LeSean McCoy ran Pitt down the field and Oderick Turner scored a TD - but wait he was down on the 1 yard line! Doesn't matter, they will score here and then win in OT, CardsFan922 said to himself. But wait! McCoy kragtastically fumbled on the next play trying to run it in from 1 yard out, the Cards recovered and got an unsatisfying victory.

Last year...ugh. Pitt came out and dominated from the get-go, jumping out to a 20-0 lead before Cantwell got the Cards on the board with a TD pass to Troy Pascley. Pascley would never be heard from again as he graduated and is playing in NFL Europe right now. Wait, he's still on the team? And hasn't seen any meaningful snaps this year but they are talking about putting the back-up QB in at WR? That's Kragtastic! Anyway, the defining play of this game was Cantwell's "swing pass" or totally predictable and terribly run screen that went backwards and was dropped by someone, I dunno who but frankly I don't care, and the linemen stood around while Pitt picked up the ball and ran it in 3 yards for a TD. A Cantwell TAINT provided the final 41-7 margin, and there was only emptiness inside.

Ahh, memories. So who is ready for more Kragstachopylpse tonight? And who made the decision that THIS game would be the Friday night, nationally-televised manna for the starving college football fan universe?

And to make things worse, what does the CJ highlight as the key match-up tonight? That would be Mike's favorite player, Byron Stingily, that's who:

A key matchup could be UofL junior left tackle Byron Stingily vs. Pitt junior defensive end Greg Romeus. Stingily is charged with protecting quarterback Justin Burke's blind side. The 6-foot-6, 270-pound Romeus led Pitt in sacks last season and has 2½ this year.

Stingily is still finding his comfort zone after playing right tackle throughout his career.

"At left tackle you're on an island," he said. "You have to come prepared, ready to play and just be a technician."

The best part about that? Who does he sound like with those quotes? Can't you just hear Kragthorpe saying those things instead of a) preparing him, b) getting him ready to play and c) teaching him how to be a technician?

So what's my prediction for tonight? Terrible football, groans, boos, fleeting hope and ultimately a 10+ point victory for Pitt in a 30s - 20s type game. Vic will get his and we'll get at least 2 touchdowns, but we won't be able to keep Pitt off the scoreboard. Burke's first TAINT of the year seals it with 5 minutes to go. Is it bad that's what I HOPE happens of the reasonable alternatives? My biggest fear is that Pitt comes out pissed after losing last week and hangs 50 on us while their defense pressures Burke all day and keeps us to a meaningless late TD. On national television. As the only game.

Ugh. Anyone have any prediction that will make me feel better? Please, someone.

The Good, The Bad, And The Kragtastic

CardsFan922 — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:51:13 -0000

More photos » by Colin E. Braley - AP

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Well that sucked. Excitement abounded before the kick-off, and predictions of victory flew from unlikely corners (even frankpos thought we had a chance!). The beginning of the game probably improved frankpos's optimism: Chris Campa introduced himself to the Utah crowd and the home team with a big hit on the kick-off, and LD Scott got the team's first sack of the season on the first play from scrimmage. After forcing a three-and-out, the offense marched down the field: Scott Long made good on the pre-game angle from the CJ and beat his man for a 23-yard gain on the first play. More positive plays resulted in first and goal from the 8. The game thread got positively giddy: most were pretty quick to get excited and hop back on the bandwagon with both feet.

Everyone knows what happened next. But sulking wasn't doing it for me, so I thought I'd dive back in to the game and the post-game quotes and put together the good, the bad, and the Kragtastic. Join me? ....after the jump...

The Good

First and foremost, Chris Campa came to play. The oft-overlooked linebacker set the tone with a big hit on the opening kickoff, and then continued to lay the wood. And although I can't find for sure how many tackles he ended up with, it was a lot and all of them seemed like big hits.

Scott Long is talented. As was discussed during the game thread, hopefully he gets a chance to prove himself at the next level because his college career has been limited by Harry Douglas/Mario, injury and Kragthorpe.

The Defense as a unit played generally well: it held Utah to 4-13 on third downs and kept Utah out of the end-zone in the second and third quarters. They got pressure on the QB and recorded three sacks, and Chaz Thompson had a nice pick that set up the first touchdown.

Penalties were held down to a reasonably small amount, only 5 for 50 yards. Utah had 9 for 100 yards, including a couple that kept our drives going.

Doug Beaumont had a couple nice plays, ending up with 4 catches for 87 yards. Does everyone realize he's already a JUNIOR? Sorry, this isn't the Kragtastic section.

Cory Goettsche averaged 49 yards on punts, including a long of 57 yards. As Sam ruined the good vibes pointed out in the game thread, this may have had something to do with the thin air and the altitude. I choose to believe that he has figured out how to kick the ball farther and you can't prove it to me otherwise until the Pitt game.

The Bad

Oy. Where to begin? How about the rushing game, which put up a whopping 80 yards on one of the worst run defenses in the country, one that gave up more than 200 yards to Utah State and Oregon.

Vic, whose asthma may have been worsened by the thin air, was not himself, rushing for only 20 yards on 10 carries. He was outgained by Bilal Joseph Powell....by 2 yards, 22 total yards on 10 carries. Darius Ashley got in the game finally: he carried twice for six yards. Better average than the other two, anyway.

The defense allowed 214 yards on the ground to a team who starting running out of running backs when their top two both went down with injuries during the game. The defense also allowed 202 yards in the air to a QB who really wasn't that impressive except for that perfect strike TD immediately following Guy's fumble.

Any shred of confidence remaining in Trent Guy was obliterated after his fumble. I didn't see him on the field, he didn't get the ball thrown his way and he was pulled from both punts and kickoffs. Feel really bad for the kid.

Lots of punts, as we ended up 4-14 on third down conversions.

Burke completed less than 50% of his passes, threw an INT and had that weird play where he just sorta stood there in Vic's way on the hand-off.

The red-zone offense relied on an awkward Burke run (Play No. 2, see below for full chart) and the craziest touchdown catch I've ever seen (Burke threw a No. 8 that turned into a No. 6 when the ball bounced off Scott Long into the waiting arms of CamGraham) for our only touchdowns, and failed to score on the opening drive, which was a huge momentum swing early in the game.

The game just sorta sucked, was mostly boring, and the announcers were terrible.

The Kragtastic

Mike pointed out in the game thread (do a ctl-F for "WE ONLY HAVE EIGHT PLAYS") that we only have eight plays. He may actually be correct:

Run up the middle

Burke drops back to pass, there's nothing there, Burke scrambles (probably our best play)

Screen to the running back (every so often to the WR) - rarely works

3-step drop, quick jump ball to Scott Long

Play-action rollout, Tronzo underneath, Beaumont at the next level.

Whatever play that results in CamGraham open underneath or in the flat

Reverse

Slant to Scott Long

Play No. 1 was not effective, and Krag was surprised in this morning's CJ:

They pressured a little bit more," said Kragthorpe, adding that the Cards had to abandon the run once they fell behind. "On first down they had some different inside linebacker dogs that they hadn't run a whole lot."

Really? They were able to stop the run up the middle? We had 19 plays on first down, and by my count from the espn.com game chart, on 12 of those we ran the ball, more often than not up the middle. We had one play where we faked the FB dive and then pitched out, but it was covered nicely by Utah. But I don't remember many sweeps, many outside runs, misdirections, counters or play action on first down. I think they knew a No. 1 was coming more often than not on first down, and they ran a defense that countered it. That's some Kragtastic play-calling in the run game.

While not going for two points ultimately didn't cost anything because we didn't score again and Utah did, that would seem to be coaching 101. You scored a touchdown that gets you down 10, the only way to make it a 1-possession game is to go for 2. Maybe Krag was so shocked we scored a TD even though he called a No. 8 that was a yard short of the first down and 12 yards away from the end zone, even if caught.

Adam Froman played on special teams. I am not making this up.  Burke had to limp off the field at one point, and Froman is coming back from injury. I really can't see any upside to doing this? Unless he was looking to test Will Stein.

The overall awfulness that is Kragthorpe-coached Louisville football.

Ugh. I feel lousy. Glad I did this. Anyone have their own good, bad, and Kragtastic they want to share?

Official Game Prediction Thread

CardsFan922 — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:27:45 -0000

More photos » by Ed Reinke - AP

So...close...can't...reach...it...

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I'll start this off with the easiest prediction: at some point on Saturday, Scott Long will be overthrown and thisclosejustbarelyalmost catch it. Also, I will be strangely nervous and hopeful from about 11 AM until about 5 minutes into the game, at which point I will either turn into the 2006 game watching CardsFan922 (every play matters!) or the 2007-2008 game watching CardsFan922 (gallows humor and self-protecting indifference). I know that much is true.

On an intellectual level, I don't see how we can pull this one out. UK's defense, while not as good as last year, is still the better of their two units. Their defensive line is solid and our offensive line wasn't exactly blowing ISU's doors off last week to open holes for Vic and Powell. Burke made some nice passes in the 2nd half, but if he was a little too hyped up to hit wide-open guys in the first quarter at home against a high school team, something tells me starting on the road, in his hometown, on national television....let's just say the kid has a right to be nervous. And who will stop Randall Cobb and/or Chris Matthews?

There's not much I have to say about this game that Mike won't cover or hasn't covered all week. For us to win, the following things have to happen:

1) Vic Anderson rushes for more than 85 yards and Vic/Powell/Ashley combine for at least 100 yards total.

2) We have a +3 or better turnover margin, including a TAINT or other defensive / special teams points.

3) We have a +3 or sack margin.

4) Somehow stop Cobb and Matthews from going off - combination of defensive pressure + the dozens of new players in the secondary holding their own + stopping the run game with just the D-line + pressure on Hartline (see above).

Of the four, I think stopping Cobb and Matthews will be the hardest, if not most impossible, task. I think we'll score an offensive touchdown in this year's game (I just threw up in my mouth) and I think Burke/Froman and Long will hook up for some big gains. But I just don't see us winning a shoot-out or a 10-7 defensive struggle.

Official predictions....after the jump....

Final Score: Kentucky 38 - 21 Louisville

Anderson / Total Rush Yards: 54 / 95

Kentucky Rushing Yards: 127

Scott Long: 1 TD

Best UofL Defensive Game: Johnny Patrick

Biggest Hit: Brandon Heath

Biggest Boneheaded Krag Call: Fake punt or going for it on 4th down and medium, up 3-0, midway through first quarter, on our own 24 yard line. Resulting in turnover on downs, UK 1-play, 22 yard scoring drive for a touchdown.

First Appearance By Adam Froman: First offensive possession of 2nd quarter (and no more Burke after that).

Rock Keys: Sadly, no.

Glimmer of Hope On Which To Hang Hat: Preston Pace plays reasonably well.

Most Run Commercial: Gold into Cash, and/or 5 awkward Billy Mays commercials (we are on ESPNU, remember).

Everyone feel free to make their own predictions according to these categories, or come up with your own. The CardChronicle staff will assign points/weights to each category, judge the winner on Sunday, and then come over to the winner's house to fully cater a 3-course dinner for a party of 6-10, pants optional. CardChronicle staff reserves the right to not actually do this.