Perfect Circumstances for a win

by adamcards on Nov 9, 2007 1:11 AM EST

If you were told before tonight's game the following facts, I would assume you would think outcome would be favorable for our beloved Cards.

White and Slaton: 3 fumbles in 2nd half
Slaton: 17 rushes 60 yards; 14 yards receiving
Schmitt: 5 yards rushing, 1 yard receiving
Devine: 11 yards rushing, 4 yards receiving
WVU: 11 penalties 116 yards
WVU: SIX consecutive offensive possessions at one point in second half without points
WVU: 217 yards rushing (averaging 300 per game)
Virtually even total offenses for WVU and UofL
Virtually even time of possession and number of plays
Brohm: 345 yards passing 2 TD, 1 INT (1 on Hail Mary is irrelevant to outcome of game)
UofL: 7 more first downs than WVU

However, only need two stats to explain losing:
UofL: 3/13 on Third Downs
UofL: 27 rushes for 37 yards - 1.4 avg. (RBs: 18 rushes for 41 yards - 2.28 avg.)

The WVU defense was an excellent pass defense unit, not especially impressive defending the run. No excuses, run the ball harder, more often, and earlier to continue drives...which will WIN YOU THE BALL GAME.

Simple truth: We lack the killer instinct we have shown in past three years.

Note: I realize at point almost everyone no longer really cares about the football season, but I just had to vent somewhere in an at least somewhat constructive manner. I probably should be thinking about the round ball by now, but the memories of the a sea of black in the seats and beaches of Miami in January are still too fond.

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Failed to mention

Game environment was extremely low key for playing in the notoriously tough Morgantown. Crowd thought all they had to do was wear gold.

Couldn't ask for a better set up.

by adamcards on Nov 9, 2007 1:25 AM EST reply actions

Good analysis, Adamcards

The papers in WV are all saying that WVU played an incredibly poor game and still won.

Our D did it's job --as well as last yr-- they held them under 40 pts and under their usual yardage. No big plays... til the end (as always!!!)

But...the O

The greatest O players in U of L history...and we're barely chugging in the high 20's per game.

The biggest stat--every game now-- is our 3rd down completion rate. It says it all. We always seem to be facing 3rd and long-- and though Brian is almost superhuman, you're never going to convert a high % of those. Particularly with inane play calling that CONTINUES to run 3rd down routes 2-4 yds short of the marker!

by frankpos on Nov 9, 2007 7:12 AM EST up reply actions