A Scruggs State of Mind

I like to write, but this is my first attempt at writing about anything sports related. I figured this would be as good a forum as any to test my mettle. Please enjoy and comment if you feel the need.

Teddy Bridgewater has generated a significant number of sparkly-eyed and hopeful Cardinal fans in the aftermath of showdown for the Governor’s Cup. The Cool Hand Luke-esque poise of our dear Teddy still gives me the flutters from time to time. He's even become the resident desktop wallpaper star of this one's office computer. Still, one thought cannot escape:

We are living in a Scruggs kind of world, in a Scruggs state of mind.

Teddy Bridgewater's poise and Dominique Brown's ferocity were certainly admirable, but even more importantly; a tone was set early by the defensive line. Although he didn't have the most tackles or the most sacks, Greg Scruggs, as the face of the defensive line, led the charge that pressured Kentucky's quarterback and generated eight sacks. Without the speed, veracity, and imposing presence of Greg Scruggs around the edges, Louisville loses to Kentucky.

Nearly every snap, Scruggs was in the fray. Often, the arm, the hands, and most importantly, the mean mugs of Greg Scruggs were in or around the big hits behind the line of scrimmage. His presence allowed Roy Philon blow up Kentucky's center and go off for multiple sacks. His force-of-will gave B.J. Butler an opportunity to foster his massive potential. As poorly as the opponent played, Kentucky had its opportunities -- but the aura of Mr. Scruggs and his cohorts successfully highlighted Kentucky's ineptitude on offense and prevented them from creating any semblance of a sustained scoring drive outside of the two minute drill.

It wasn't the scheme, it wasn't the talent: it was the Scruggs state of mind that propelled the Cardinals to victory.

I don't want to take away from the hopeful future generated by the poised young man wearing number five. I don't want hide the fact that Dominique Brown was probably built in a Terminator factory. And I certainly don't want to undermine the fact that Charlie Strong has named the lionhearted Victor Anderson as "the face of the program."

But, in order for the University of Louisville 2011 football season to end on a similar high note as the preceding, we need the nastiness, the swagger, and the mean muggery brought forth by Greg Scruggs.