Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

Hopefully this will be a close game but I fear the worst. The Cards could win a shootout if Harry Douglas and Mario Urrutia are back but without them (especially Douglas) it would take an out of character performance from the defense. I see this as the first major test for the Cincy defense. UofL's passing game is far beyond that of Rutgers and they're decent running the ball when they don't fall behind big early. Cincy has lived on turnovers but Brohm plays smart and doesn't throw many interceptions. The first quarter will likely set the tone. In their three losses Louisville has fallen behind big early and has to throw constantly to catch up. Another good performance by the Cincy defense and they'll affirm their position as a legit Big East contender.

How they compare:

U of L vs. UC
Points scored: 44.0 - 43.3
Points allowed: 30.7 - 12.7
Rushing yards: 172.7 - 185.8
Passing yards: 405.7 - 259.5
Opp. Yards rushing: 161.2 - 85.0
Opp. Yards passing: 283.3 - 255.2
Turnover margin: +5 - +15

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

Dare I say that UC has the better team? I think the big difference is the discipline that BK has installed in his team. This team prepares and it shows on gameday. They aren't playing to get by, the are playing to win, and win big. You didn't see them play down to their opponents early in the year, and you probably won't see them change their game plan because they are playing teams like U of L and West Virginia. They play to their full ability as a team, and I don't even think you've seen all you are going to see out of BK's bunch. They are scary in the fact that they haven't played a full game IMO. They still have things to improve on that are very very fixable. Penalties are just part of it. They are a force that, although getting press, is largely unknown. Not only by fans and media, but also by themselves. I don't think they know what the ceiling is yet. Rutgers was a sloppy game against a tough opponent in which they still pulled out the win. I for one have been a fan since I can remember, but if your still waiting on a reason, the reason to believe is BK. He is the difference maker.

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

Well, since I'm an idiot and posted an identical thread can somebody tell me if the watch party at Schott Stadium is open to the public?

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

Yes, it is open and free to the public. I think the field will close once the game starts but the stands will remain open to watch the game on the video board.

Here's the presser from UC:

(My 5,000th post!! I'm only 46,000+ behind Krono.)

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

It appears Douglas will play for the Cards. Assuming Urrutia returns as well, I predict UL wins 38-28. Cincy allowed a mistake prone and passing-weak Rutgers team to score 23 and nearly win barring a late interception. Brohm makes Teel look like a high school quarterback in comparison and I think he puts up big numbers with his top two receivers back. Now about that defense... Hopefully the 28 points allowed isn't wishful thinking. What can I say? I'm an alum and season ticket holder. ;)

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

Only 16 of that 23 was scored by the O, which is pretty good considering the talent on Rutgers' offense. It is not as much as Louisville's, but there is a bunch there.

The factor you completely gloss over is Louisville wished it had Rutgers' defense this year, they might be undefeated as well for this game. But they don't, and UC wins this game by ATLEAST 2 touchdowns.

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

I don't see Louisville winning this game. The players and some of the coaches from what I hear are not buying into Kragthorpe's system. How does a team with Louisville's talent lose to Syracuse and Utah? I'll say 34-24 Bearcats. I'll be there.

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

I'm not going to pick an upset, but I would not be the least bit surprised if Louisville wins. UC allows a good amount of passing yards, and Brohm should do well.

I'll take Cincinnati by a TD, but I certainly would not put money on it.

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

If Urrutia and Douglas play, there is no way the Cards score less than 35. How many they allow is the question.

By the way, much has been made about nothing regarding the player's "buying into" the system. He is a much more likeable coach than Petrino and the players appear to really want to win for him. As far as the system goes, the offense is the same as last year and the defense retains the same coordinator they've had for the past few years. Why is such a talented defense, so awful? I have no clue but it seems like sense they got burned badly in the Syracuse game they've played soft and are afraid of giving up another big play.

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

Never mind. Urrutia is out along with two starting D-linemen. I'm glad I won't be able to watch this game.

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

With LSU just losing, I believe Cincinnati currently has the longest winning streak in the country.

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

and so far my Colerain Cardinal players are showing up big.

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

Go Cats!

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

This game isn't on TV is it?

Re: Battle for the Keg of Nails
 

ESPN U