Offense Looks Continue Its Upward Trend Versus BC
November 04, 2014 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky.- Coming off its best offensive performance of the season, the University of Louisville went back to work in preparation for Saturday's big ACC game versus Boston College at 7:15 p.m. from Alumni Stadium.
The Eagles are one of the nation's top defensive teams, especially against the run, and the Cardinals understand the problems that Boston College's defense will present on Saturday night.
"They present a lot of challenges for us," offensive coordinator Garrick McGee said after Tuesday's practice. "They are a multiple defense. They have multiple defensive packages. They are going to test our knowledge of defense."
The Cardinals totaled 488 yards of total offense in the loss to Florida State , and saw wide receiver DeVante Parker total 214 yards receiving and running back Michael Dyer rushing for 134 yards. However, the Cardinals were inconsistent, especially on third down where they were 1-for-11.
Louisville was stopped on fourth and one on the goal line, which proved to be one of the bigger plays of the game and failed to convert on a number of short-yardage situations.
"I think the next step is to be more consistent, get the ball in the end zone more," head coach Bobby Petrino said. "There was one time where we had to settle for a field goal and another time we got stopped inside the five-yard line so we have to be more consistent but I have liked the way we have operated the last two weeks more than we did earlier in the year being able to mix the run, the pass, the play-action game."
"I think we are getting closer to what we like to do offensively but it does start up front and we have a good challenge this week being able to handle their big guys up front and making sure we get some space, some room to run the ball."
The Eagles have held five opponents to less than 70 yards rushing, including an average of 44.0 yards in the last two games.
"They do a good job of teaching," McGee said of the Boston College defense. "Their scheme is different than anyone we played this year. They have a lot of different packages based on what personnel grouping are on the field."
The Cardinals have seemed to turn the corner on the offense over the last two weeks, averaging 30.5 points per game and 438.0 yards of total offense. However, after a tough, hard-fought loss, the coaching staff was worried about the intensity in practice on Tuesday, but McGee was pleased with what he saw on the practice field.
"It was good," McGee said. "I think our guys are concentrating on the preparation. It's a different challenge. These guys are big and strong. Our players seemed energized. They are looking for another opportunity to play on the road." Petrino said that he was looking forward to see how his team would respond after investing a lot of time and energy in the loss to No. 2 Florida State at home.
"I think this is the week that we find that out," Petrino said. "You're always concerned as a coach after a game that you put so much into and you're in it, you're competing hard, you're playing well and you don't come out on the right end. So I think this is the week that we find out who the real leaders are and it reveals our character as a team."
If the script plays out like it usually does, the Cardinals will bounce back just fine. They haven't lost back-to-back games since 2012 and Petrino's teams are 10-1 following a loss. That's good to know, because the Cardinals will be tested on the road by a solid Boston College team, who has won their last two games on the road.
