Takeaways from Scott Satterfield's Press Conference

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville returned to team activities Sunday night after pausing on Wednesday night after COVID-19 concerns. The Cardinals begin preparation for Saturday's Atlantic Coast Conference game versus Virginia at 3:30 p.m.

After starting game preparation a week ago, the Cardinals halted all team functions following practice on Wednesday.

A series of negative tests on Friday and Sunday allowed the Cardinals to return to practice this week.

"We're back to a normal routine now as far as practicing on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, travel day on Friday, and be ready to go on Saturday at 3:30 p.m." head coach Scott Satterfield said. "So, we were excited about being able to get back out on the field yesterday, last night and we waited really until we got all the results back before we even met with our guys. We didn't meet yesterday until 4:30 p.m. It is kind of unique situation. Obviously, we game planned all last week for Virginia and then of course we hit pause and now you're right back on and again this week that having, most of all the work pretty much done. You're kind of just refining the game plan and kind of moving forward with everything, so we're back on schedule."

The Cardinals are likely to be without a number of key players again on Saturday due to protocols in the ACC. Louisville was without a majority of its defense in the 42-35 loss to Virginia Tech on Oct. 31.

"We continue doing the same things you're obviously just very cognizant of what's going on and what's happening right around our building and so the guys and our coaches I think are just more aware, and just making sure I think the biggest thing and all this is making sure you have enough distance between the next person," Satterfield said. "Whether it be in the building around a field I mean obviously when you're playing football, you're going to have some contact but when you're not, , making sure you have some of that distance there, and obviously in the building, we're all wearing masking and we're staying away. To answer your question, on quarantine, yes we still have several that are not available that are in quarantine. , there's obviously protocols for that. If you're in quarantine, it's 14 days. If you're positive, then it's a minimum of 10 days with that and so yeah there's going to be guys that that are still there in quarantine. We'll see as the week goes on if we have anybody available."

While the Cardinals are still searching for answers on defense with so many key players missing, the Cardinals will look to keep their passing game on track after throwing for 350 yards versus the Hokies.

"We certainly want to be very efficient in throwing the football. We know that there is going to be opportunities there because there are every week, no matter who we play. Virginia does a great job of containing a run, conversely, they have given up some yards in the passing game," Satterfield said. "I think a lot of times it is difficult to be great at both. I think they have sold out on trying to stop the run, but still have done a great job of creating pressure and getting sacks. They were able to sack North Carolina five times last week. (Charles) Snowden, number eleven, has had tremendous last two weeks. He has been really, really good with seven and a half tackles for loss and I think five sacks over the last two weeks. They put pressure on quarterbacks, but to answer the question, we want to continue to progress our passing game.

(Malik) Cunningham has some good games and we look back at the last game where he threw 350 yards and got us back in the game, hopefully we will be able to get that going early in this game and be able to hit some plays down the field. We still want to be able to run the football, find ways to run, but I think obviously the passing game has been an integral part of what we are doing and we have to be able to get the ball down the field and score points."

After getting in a 21-0 hole versus Virginia Tech, Satterfield has put an emphasis on getting the Cardinals off to a faster start in games. Louisville has been out-scored 68-45 in the first quarter this season.

"Obviously, if we could put our finger on it we would certainly put it right on it and then come out hitting on all cylinders right at the start," Satterfield said. "When teams come out in your first play of the game, you're trying to figure each other out a little bit. This last game, we got sacked on the first play and then on third down we get a first down but we get called for a holding penalty so then you're having to punt. It's such a momentum gain if we can get off, get some points on the board early as an offense then, it obviously helps your defense because now your defense feels like 'okay, we got a little bit of a lead here, now let's cut loose and play. If we make a mistake, and they score, what does it really hurt? We're still in this game. We're still going to be a tied ballgame."

"Once you get behind like we did, like we have a couple of games this year, now you're just looking to try to force it and get the ball down the field and try to score quickly and try to get back in the game. If we can get some stuff going early I think it helps our psyche, it obviously helps momentum, I think our kids play a lot better that way and it really, really changes the course of the game. Instead of waking up and playing the last three quarters, we got to wake up from the start and play right initially on the first drive."

University of Louisville Athletics

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