Defense Looks to Create More Turnover Opportunities
September 05, 2012 | Football
Vance Bedford | Hakeem Smith | Preston Brown
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A staple of the University of Louisville football program during the Charlie Strong era has been the defense. In the first two seasons, the Cardinals have used an attacking and pressure-packed defense to finish in the top 25 in the national rankings in total defense.
In the season-opening win over Kentucky last Sunday, the Cardinals gave up too many yards for their liking through the air, but did limit the Wildcats to just 93 yards on the ground, and more importantly, just 14 points.
Defensive coordinator Vance Bedford was pleased with the fact that the Cardinals limited the Wildcats' point total and number of big plays. However, because Kentucky threw so often, Bedford had hoped the Cardinals would create even more turnovers.
"When a team throws the ball 51 times, and you have don't have any interceptions, that's not where you want to be," said Bedford. "When a team throws the ball 51 times, you expect to have at least three interceptions, and we had none. That's disappointing. We only had two sacks off 51 throws; that's disappointing."
Two-time all-BIG EAST safety Hakeem Smith agreed with his defensive coordinator's assessment of needing to create even more turnovers, especially interceptions. Last year, the Cardinals only totaled 10 picks.
"You just have to make a play on the ball," said Smith. "We have to create turnovers and execute the defense."
Despite not having any interceptions, the Cardinals forced a pair of turnovers, both coming in the red zone. Sophomore Calvin Pryor forced two and Smith recorded the other one. Smith, who has been the leader of the defense for the last two seasons, led the team in tackles on Sunday with 10.
"When we play man-to-man coverage, he is always around the box," said Bedford of Smith. "That's why he has been all-conference the last two years because he is around the box and making plays in the run game. Calvin Pryor is becoming a good player, which allows Hakeem to do more things."
One thing Bedford is pleased with is the options he finally has on defense in his third year of helping build the program.
"It's great when you have depth," said Bedford. "That's the thing we did, we were able to get guys in the fourth quarter and keep them fresh. We were able to get a sack with a four-man rush because we did rotate guys in. When they throw the ball 51 times and you aren't substituting offensive linemen in, they usually get tired. A lot of times in the fourth quarter, is when you start making plays, and we had a few sacks at that time."
The Cardinals will get another test this Saturday against Missouri State, which boasts a transfer quarterback from Missouri in Ashton Glaser, who threw for 257 yards against Kansas State in the season-opener.
"They are going to come in and throw it around like Kentucky did, but they will try to run it more, so we have to be ready," said Bedford.
The 23rd-ranked Cardinals will look to go 2-0 for the first time since 2007, when the Bears enter Papa John's Cardinal Stadium for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
