Petrino Looks for Improvement on Offense Versus Murray State
September 04, 2014 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky.- The short work week for the University of Louisville is complete after the Cardinals finished their final workout Thursday in preparation for Saturday's game against Murray State at 7 p.m. at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.
After the 31-13 win Monday night over Miami, the Cardinals had only two days to prepare for the Racers, who have been off since last Thursday's 73-26 win over Union. "The biggest thing for us to get to the game fresh, both physically and mentally," head coach Bobby Petrino said. "We need to make sure we can concentrate and do things right. I told the team this will challenge our maturity."
For the players, the week is certainly difficult after a physical opener on a Monday. "It's a short week and we have to lock in more," senior wide receiver Eli Rogers said on Thursday. "It felt good to get that first win on our schedule, but we have turned our focus to Murray State."
After watching the film of Monday's win, Petrino is certainly pleased to be 1-0, but knows his team can certainly play better in all three phases, especially on offense.
"I think we have a lot of room for improvement," Petrino said. "We need to be more consistent on offense. Defensively, we played with great effort and speed. Offensively, I was pleased with the effort, but we have a long way to get to where we need to be as an offense."
The Cardinals definitely didn't play their best game on offense, so the players know that they need to execute better heading into the second game of the season. "There is always room for improvement," Rogers said. "We have to work on our assignments and techniques, and always play faster."
Offensive coordinator Garrick McGee also was pleased with the performance, but wants to see improvement on Saturday.
"I saw good things on offense," McGee said. "We have a long way to go, but I like the way we played at times. I thought Will (Gardner) did some good things, but he needs to protect the football. I thought we had a good week of practice and we will be ready to play."
After just five days in between games, the Cardinals must shake off the win over Miami, and get ready for an explosive Murray State team, who would love to knock off the 25th-ranked Cardinals.
