Friday morning Cardinal news and notes

—The latest episode of the Card Chronicle Podcast is here.

—Marshon Ford has full confidence in Scott Satterfield’s ability as a play caller.

—Eric Crawford sets the scene for year three of the Satterfield era at Louisville.

“We lost four games by single digits last season,” Satterfield said at ACC Media Days on Tuesday. “In 2019, we won them. I think part of that is in the offseason, creating that chemistry, and playing for each other. We didn’t have that the year before. This year we’ve been able to get that. I just think it gives you an opportunity to win those close games. We’ve got to win the turnover battle, we all know that. But there’s certain plays throughout a game that come up, that if you care about your brother beside you, you give everything you have and end up making that play. I think that’s what we lacked last year and I think we’ll have it this year, and I’m excited to see them get out there and do that.”

Nobody expected Satterfield to win 8 games, including a bowl, in his first season. Nor did anyone expect last season’s Worst Case Scenario Handbook to play out.

But if I’d said Satterfield would be 12-12 after his first two seasons, most people would’ve said, “That sounds about right, and let’s see what he does in his third.”

Satterfield has rebuilt the culture at Louisville. Last season, disappointing as it was, did nothing to diminish that. Now he has to show he can turn that into a winner consistently in the ACC. His success or failure to do that will be the storyline of Year No. 3.

“A lot of positives going into this year,” Satterfield said Thursday. “Defense is continuing to get better. Offensively guys have a great grasp of what we’re doing on offense. We have a lot of talented players that are going to be able to play. Offensive line I think is the most depth we’ve ever had since we’ve been there, at least eight guys that can go in and play at a high level. I’m excited about what we’re able to come this year and what we’ll be able to play in this league.”

—How big would Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC be? One official called it “earth shattering” and another predicted it could the biggest college sports moment since the Supreme Court decision in the 1980s.

—Class of 2023 QB Chris Parson, who had previously listed Louisville as one of his top schools, has committed to Florida State.

—It appears college basketball and the Kentucky Derby remain both alive and well.

—Reid Detmers has been promoted to Triple-A.

—The CJ’s Cameron Teague Robinson reveals his preseason All-ACC ballot.

—Ted Lasso returns today with season two.

—Jeff Greer’s latest Floyd Street Tribune newsletter covers, among other things, Samuell Williamson tweaking his jump shot and why Louisville elected to add Sydney Curry.

For most of this offseason, there was every reason to believe Louisville wouldn’t add another big guy to its roster. This belief came primarily because of how difficult it’d be to find a player who would fit the exact profile of what U of L might need: Someone competitive enough to fight for minutes with three other centers while also understanding that Malik Williams, when healthy, is the Cardinals’ go-to center.

Enter Sydney Curry. The late decommitment from Kansas opened the door for Louisville to get involved, and the 6-foot-8, 260-pound former junior college standout is now a Cardinal. He brings physicality, size and some nastiness.

What does this tell us about Louisville’s thinking? A few things.

First: Security. Williams and Roosevelt Wheeler have not yet run in 5-on-5 scrimmages. Louisville’s coaching staff is smartly easing them back into the fold, hoping to keep Williams upright for a full season for the first time since his sophomore year. They also don’t want to rush the freshman Wheeler, who has immense potential but is also coming back from surgery to repair a damaged Achilles’ tendon. Having Curry offers Mack a security blanket at center to avoid a repeat of last season’s stretched-thin 5 spot.

Second, Louisville’s coaching staff clearly wants players in their natural positions. Jae’Lyn Withers and JJ Traynor are natural forwards, and Louisville wants them to play there. That said, the addition of Curry dampens the likelihood of Traynor and Withers playing together at the 4 and 5 very often, which is disappointing for the many fans and observers who’d like to see that.

—Bill Walton went on “The Press Box” podcast and spent 40 minutes answering the first question he was asked.

—During the summer of 2016, Anže Tavčar was at the Olympics in Rio representing his home country of Slovenia in men’s swimming. Now he’s pursuing a new dream – earning his dental degree from the University of Louisville.

—Congrats to the St. X high school swim team on claiming its first national championship. The Tigers also won the Kentucky state title for the 33rd straight year.

—Not a bad week.

—Bellarmine will get its shot at Mick Cronin’s UCLA Bruins on Nov. 22.

—The undefeated West Louisville 7 and 8-year-old All-Stars will be playing in the Babe Ruth Baseball regional tournament in Indiana this weekend.

—Marshon Ford has gone from walk-on to a versatile force who makes Scott Satterfield’s offense work.

—Friday Irrelevance:

—The CJ focuses on Jordan Watkins in its countdown of the most important Cardinal football players for 2021.

—Safety Josh Minkins is back and working out with the Cardinal football squad.

—And finally, Lamar Jackson is back at Ravens training camp and is ready to get started on year four.