FWIW, I think Clemson is the favorite to win the league this year, but I have no faith in them not Clemsoning at some point and so they'll win the league with one loss. If that happens, they're probably the champion on the outside looking into the playoff this year.

 

If that happens, the league champion goes to the Peach Bowl or the Fiesta Bowl. The rest of the teams would then slip down a bowl slot from how everyone finished last year. Could easily result in an 8-4 team ending up in the Sun Bowl or in Nashville like they nearly did last year with the Music City. 7-5 and you're being shipped to heaven knows where.

I'm still bitter about the Clemson loss last year.

I'm still bitter about the Clemson loss last year.

 

I was there. When Quick grabbed that pass on the sideline with a minute to go, I was sure they'd won it. So was everyone else wearing red in that stadium.

 

And the step down from Watson to Cole Stoudt was REAL. That dude had no idea how to manage what was going on. Couldn't deal with Louisville's front seven at all.

 

I'd be even more bitter if everyone down at Clemson hadn't been so darn NICE.

I was there. When Quick grabbed that pass on the sideline with a minute to go, I was sure they'd won it. So was everyone else wearing red in that stadium.

 

And the step down from Watson to Cole Stoudt was REAL. That dude had no idea how to manage what was going on. Couldn't deal with Louisville's front seven at all.

 

I wanted to be there, but I would have been SUPER salty if I was. :lol2:

I wanted to be there, but I would have been SUPER salty if I was. :lol2:

 

It was when I really knew we were in a real football conference. Louisville games are a blast and I love the whole experience but the gameday culture at Clemson is the real deal. An absolutely different level.

Lots of folks bullish on UK beating UofL. What makes everyone think UK can do it this year when they failed last season against first-year Bobby Petrino who was playing the third-string QB?

 

Just asked the same in the other thread. I'm interested to hear some thoughts on it.

 

My thought is that if Bolin doesn't play, UK beats UL last year.

 

UL not having UK-killer DeVante Parker also gives me more confidence too.

My thought is that if Bolin doesn't play, UK beats UL last year.

 

UL not having UK-killer DeVante Parker also gives me more confidence too.

 

My thoughts are if UL doesn't turn it over 4 times, they win by three touchdowns. :lol2:

My thought is that if Bolin doesn't play, UK beats UL last year.

 

UL not having UK-killer DeVante Parker also gives me more confidence too.

 

We all saw what life was like for UofL last season without DeVante Parker... they couldn't move the ball and were flat terrible at times. Parker made the thing go.

 

No doubt that Bonnafon struggled in that first quarter last year. That said, I can't imagine Louisville's QB play being as poor in year two under Petrino. I think we'll see a step back on defense and a step forward on offense (in general, despite losing Parker). We'll have to see if those steps are even.

I will say, if UK is going to beat UL in the near future, they better do it this year...

My thoughts are if UL doesn't turn it over 4 times, they win by three touchdowns. :lol2:

 

The Michael Dyer fumble and Bolin's indecision under pressure are probably what I remember most about that game.

 

I truthfully don't remember anything about Bonnafon's first quarter interception except that he had just completed a big one to Parker right before it happened.

My thoughts are if UL doesn't turn it over 4 times, they win by three touchdowns. :lol2:

 

Probably some truth to that, but UK also turned it over a couple of times.

 

But my overall point is that Bonnafon was ineffective that game & Bolin saved the day. Parker surely helped him look better, but the kid stepped up and delivered when it counted. UL wasn't getting much done on the ground & Bolin/Parker more than pulled their weight through the air. The best half of that duo is gone & that makes me feel more confident as a UK fan.

We all saw what life was like for UofL last season without DeVante Parker... they couldn't move the ball and were flat terrible at times. Parker made the thing go.

 

No doubt that Bonnafon struggled in that first quarter last year. That said, I can't imagine Louisville's QB play being as poor in year two under Petrino. I think we'll see a step back on defense and a step forward on offense (in general, despite losing Parker). We'll have to see if those steps are even.

 

I know UL has a lot to replace on defense. And while Petrino is no doubt an excellent offensive coach, I think there will be some struggles for the Cards offensively.

 

I do think the game will be another high-scoring one. Both secondaries seem very suspect, but I see that being more to UL's advantage. The key for UK will be if they can run the ball as effectively as they did in last year's game.

I know UL has a lot to replace on defense. And while Petrino is no doubt an excellent offensive coach, I think there will be some struggles for the Cards offensively.

 

I do think the game will be another high-scoring one. Both secondaries seem very suspect, but I see that being more to UL's advantage. The key for UK will be if they can run the ball as effectively as they did in last year's game.

 

Very curious to see how these two transfers that are expected to start work out in the secondary: Shaq Wiggins and Josh Harvey-Clemons. Other than them, it's pretty thin back there.

 

I do think that the front seven will be key for Louisville all year and stopping the run is priority one. Apparently DeVonte Fields is still trying to get his qualification sorted out with the NCAA. He'll be a massive addition to that group when it does.

^ As a follow-up to this. News broke last night that Fields was cleared to start practice. If he can get back to playing shape quickly, Louisville could have a nasty front seven.

^ As a follow-up to this. News broke last night that Fields was cleared to start practice. If he can get back to playing shape quickly, Louisville could have a nasty front seven.

 

Yep. I'm looking forward to seeing how the defense comes together.