September 17, 200719 yr From what we've seen thus far, where does everyone rank U of L in the Big East? Contrary to popular opinion (on this site anyway), the Big East is a pretty tough football conference. So while a lot of people think Louisville plays a bunch of cupcakes in their conference, that's not true. They've got 4 tough conference games ahead and three of them are on the road... 10/13 @ Cincinnati 11/8 @ West Virginia 11/17 @ South Florida 11/29 Rutgers As of now, U of L hasn't looked as good as any of those four, IMO. The good news is they have some time to improve before playing them...the bad news is the defense hasn't shown much improvement in the first 3 weeks. At this point, Cincinnati and West Virginia have impressed me the most and I don't think Louisville would beat either of those teams on their home field at this point. Rutgers has looked good, but the competition isn't exactly top notch. South Florida scored a huge win over Auburn (although Auburn isn't looking very good right now), so it's hard to put a finger on just how impressive that win was. Don't get me wrong...it was huge for them to win @ Auburn. I'm just not sure how good of a team they beat. As of now, I'd expect U of L to lose at least 2 of those 4 and possibly more. Also, after a 44-6 thrashing of UCLA, the game against Utah may not be a sure win. Before anyone rips me for trying to down Louisville, that's not my intent. I'm asking a serious question here...because unless they make some big improvements on the defensive side, they're going to have a hard time beating the top half of the Big East, especially on the road. As I said, the good news is that 3 of those are at the end of the season, which gives them some time to get there...I just hope they can do it.
September 17, 200719 yr Louisville will be fine...They are out of the NC race, but most people already knew they weren't a NC caliber team. They will be battling for the Big East crown and BCS bowl bid, as expected.
September 17, 200719 yr I actually thought their defense had improved some from the MTSU game. They held a much better offense to two less points than they did MTSU.
September 17, 200719 yr Author I actually thought their defense had improved some from the MTSU game. They held a much better offense to two less points than they did MTSU. Yeah, I think they played better on defense...they couldn't have played much worse. They have still have a long way to go, IMO, to get close to what they were expecting from that side of the ball this season.
September 17, 200719 yr For the record the Big East was 4-4 this weekend against OOC competition. UL has some tough games for sure and some pretty easy ones as well to recover nicely from tough games.
September 17, 200719 yr They have a shot to win the Big East, but must improve some areas or they could lose 3-4 more games this year. The conference looks improved overall with UC & South Florida playing the way they are.
September 17, 200719 yr Louisville will be fine...They are out of the NC race, but most people already knew they weren't a NC caliber team. Come on now...don't you know Louisville is college football's next national powerhouse and they are going to be a NC caliber team most years... :lol:
September 17, 200719 yr They're looking at 3 possible losses in Big East play if they don't improve on the defensive end. They did play better against UK than MTSU, so hopefully they'll continue the improvement.
September 17, 200719 yr Author They're looking at 3 possible losses in Big East play if they don't improve on the defensive end. They did play better against UK than MTSU, so hopefully they'll continue the improvement. That's all I'm saying. As of now, I'm still inclined to think they'll get the defense fixed and finish second in the Big East, behind West Virginia, which is what I expected when the season started. However, if they don't improve, and the real Louisville is the team we've seen thus far, they will struggle mightily against UC, USF, West Virginia and Rutgers.
September 17, 200719 yr The top half of the Big East is freaking loaded -- you have to have some sort of blinders on not to realize that. WVU, UL, Rutgers, and on the next tier, SoFlorida and UC, are really solid. While I expect WVU to win the Big East and head to a BCS game, UL is certainly going to be right there. They will beat Rutgers, and probably UC, will need to play well to beat So. Florida on the road, and will need to play exceptionally well to beat the 'Neers in Morgantown. All is not lost for UL in terms of a BCS game...not by a long-shot.
September 17, 200719 yr The upper level of the Big East is good, I could honestly see U.L. finishing 3rd in the conference, maybe even 4th. 2nd wouldn't be a big suprise but imo they will finish 3rd.
September 17, 200719 yr I don't think they win at WVU or USF. UC is a toss up. I think Kelly is a better coach than Krag and the UL O against the UC D will be one heck of a battle. I'm not sold on Rutgers minus Brian Leonard. He made Rice a lot more dangerous because of his versatility, and I don't think they will be able to replace that impact. I'd take my chances with stacking the line and making Teel beat me. I think they end up 3rd in the conference FWIW...
September 17, 200719 yr UL has zero chance at a BCS game. They will however be in a mid level bowl. Zero? UL has ZERO chance at winning the Big East? Not a slim chance, they literally shouldn't even travel to West Virginia? Have you been watching the last 3 years? WVU is famous for losing a game they shouldn't -- that wouldn't be new. Listen Truth, I can't stand UL. I don't care much for them and if their football and basketball teams lose their next 50 games I'd be okay (Baseball, Women's sports, etc, I root for them; like I would nearly any in-state school), but how can you say they have ZERO chance at winning the Big East? One loss and they are not even a blip on the screen? Wow.
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