Strong Previews Saturday's BIG EAST Home Game Against Connecticut
October 18, 2010 | Football
Oct. 18, 2010
Charlie Strong Audio | Adam Froman Audio
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| Adam Froman Quotes
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville football head coach Charlie Strong and senior quarterback Adam Froman met with reporters on Monday to preview Saturday's BIG EAST Conference home game against Connecticut. The Cardinals and Huskies are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, and the game will be televised nationally by ESPNU.
Last time out, the Cardinals dropped their BIG EAST opener, 35-27, at home versus Cincinnati on Friday night before an ESPN national television audience despite holding a 24-14 lead in the first half. Senior running back Bilal Powell became the first U of L running back in school history to run for 200 or more yards in back-to-back games with 209 yards on 24 carries. He also scored a pair of rushing touchdowns and became the first running back to record two scoring runs of 80 or more yards in one season.
Louisville displayed a potent ground game for the third straight week, accounting for 228 yards and a pair of touchdowns, marking the third straight game that the Cardinals rushed for 225 or more yards in a game. Louisville is averaging 219.7 yards per game on the ground this season, which stands 18th nationally. Senior Adam Froman was also solid again, going 18-of-27 for 179 yards and a touchdown pass. He completed passes to eight different receivers.
After putting together two solid defensive performances, the Cardinals gave up a season-high 453 yards of total offense and three scoring plays of 30 or more yards. Sophomore Darius Ashley put together another solid game with a team and career-high nine tackles. He also recorded his second interception of the season. Junior Greg Scruggs registered his first interception of his career and also recovered a fumble in the loss.
The Series - Louisville and Connecticut
The Cardinals and Huskies will play for the seventh time in history with the series tied at 3-3. UConn has won three straight overall in series, which dates back to 2000. Louisville is 2-1 all-time at home versus the Huskies, however, Connecticut came from behind to defeat the Cardinals 26-21 in 2008 behind 190 yards from Donald Brown. Louisville led 21-10 before the Huskies scored 16 unanswered points to win their BIG EAST opener.
Louisville-Pittsburgh Game Set for Noon Kickoff on BIG EAST Network
Kickoff for Louisville's Oct. 30 BIG EAST road game against Pittsburgh is set for noon ET at Heinz Field and the game will be televised live by the BIG EAST Network (WHAS-TV locally).
GAME FACTS - Louisville (3-3, 0-1) vs. Connecticut (3-3, 0-1)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 23
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Site: Papa John's Cardinal Stadium (55,000+), Louisville, Ky.
TV: ESPNU will televise the game live with Pam Ward (play-by-play) and Danny Kannell (analyst)
Radio: Paul Rogers (play-by-play), Stefan LeFors (analyst) and Doug Ormay (sideline) will call all the action on WHAS 840 AM
Also: SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Ch. 126
Rankings: Both teams are unranked in this week's national polls.
