Grantham Not Satisfied Despite Success on Defense
September 17, 2014 | Football
After having to replace seven starters, no one knew what to expect out of the University of Louisville defense. However, after three games, the Cardinals have picked up exactly where they left off last season when they led the nation in total defense.
The Cardinals' defense has been stellar in each game, shutting down the run and keeping the opposition out of the end zone.
Despite giving up 23 points in the loss to Virginia, the Cardinals were a victim of turnovers in their own territory and poor field position. The offense turned it over three times deep in their own territory, but the Cardinals held strong with their backs against the wall.
"When you play defense, that's part of it," Grantham said. "Being able to fly around even when you get in adverse situation. That's just part of defense, you gotta go play the next play. You've got to go get the ball back. You really just have to buy in. We're one unit, one team. Once you believe that, and you trust that other guys are going to be in the right spot and you can start playing fast."
Despite giving up less than 20 points a games, less than 80 yards on the ground and fewer than 290 yards of total offense, defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's message is clear.
"Get better," Grantham said following practice. "We're three weeks in. Each time you go out is an opportunity to get better. In this game, you either get better or you get worse. You've always got to work to improve yourself. We've got to learn the game plan for Saturday because each week is a new test, new challenge. Our focus needs to just be on getting better."
The Cardinals are facing a young, talented FIU team that gave Pitt all it could handle last week at home, and the Cardinals have to be weary of an upset-minded squad.
"They put 16 points on the board early last week," Grantham said."When you look at them, I think they're well-coached. They know where to throw the ball relative to where you look. They can put it in some good spots. They've got a couple wideouts that can make some plays and they try to find ways to get those guys the ball. So I think they've got some good young talent. Like I said, they were up 16-0 on Pitt. They were playing hard. We've got to understand that and be ready to play."
Grantham hasn't rest on their laurels and is one of the hardest coaches on the staff when it comes to focus and intensity. He is constantly coaching his defense and his enthusiasm seems to be contagious.
"You're always looking to improve," Grantham said. "There are tons of things that we can get better on, and we'll continue to do that. We have correction period each week, we'll continue to do that. As people watch the tape, people are going to continue to do the things that have been successful against you. Our players understand that. I think we've just got to keep moving forward. We've had a good starting point, but we've got to keep working and prepare for the next opponent."
The Cardinals must be ready for this opponent. They are a looking to avenge a big loss at Louisville last season and have the talent to be a dangerous squad at home. The Cardinals' defense must be ready, and if Grantham has any say, that shouldn't be a problem.
