By Ashley Trosper
Photo gallery:Governor’s Cup (Photos by Chuck Stinson)
Six minutes into the 2005 Governor’s Cup game, everyone’s expectations became truth as U of L quarterback Brian Brohm snuck the first ball into the end zone. After five quick first downs, the Cards were on the board, 7-0, in what seemed to be an easy repeat of last season.
However, only about four minutes later, Arliss Beach and the Cats surprised everyone by striking back at Louisville with a seven-yard rush that led to a score. Not only was it surprising that UK had moved the ball down the field on their first possession, but it was also a shock that they did it in a shorter amount of time and less plays than the Cards had.
What was to follow was an all-out war between the two in-state rivals, a hard-fought game that surprised and even somewhat disappointed all who viewed it.
It had been predicted that U of L would capture the Cup for the third year in a row, but the final 31-24 score made this game a very interesting one. Many factors played into the unanticipated fierce competition between the two squads.
Coming into the season opener, there was much hype about the Cards’ quarterback, although some questioned his ability to lead the number-12 team in the nation to another successful season. But, like his team in general, Brohm came out strong, leading U of L to two quick touchdowns in the first two quarters.
Nevertheless, throughout the course of the contest, the sophomore showed signs of inexperience and youth.
“Brohm did okay, but he seemed a little shaken up and nervous after he got hit,” said junior Zenai Savage.
Toward the end of the first half, and especially noticeable at the end of the game, Brohm’s passes sometimes lacked accuracy as he both over- and under-threw his receivers. The Cards stopped looking for senior receiver Joshua Tinch running across the middle, where he and Brohm were connecting very successfully in the start of the game. All in all, Brohm went 19 for 27 and threw for 179 total yards.
“I thought [Brohm] played all right. He had a few bad throws, but overall he did all right for his first start,” said student Jordan Blackerey.
Another Cardinal with a lot of hype going into this game was junior Michael Bush. Many speculated on whether or not Bush could step up to the role of primary running back.
Throughout the game, Bush proved to be the Cardinal work horse and a dominant scoring force with two TDs. Earlier in the season, U of L Offensive Coordinator Paul Petrino said the backs were working on getting those extra tough yards for a first down opportunity. Petrino should be pleased with his running backs, especially Bush, who ran the ball for 128 yards on 27 carries. U of L counted on Bush in numerous situations to get that first down.
Senior Elvis Dumervil was a dominant force out on the field, exuding both a competitive spirit and true senior leadership. He led his teammates by example in crucial times during the game when U of L had to come up with stops. His efforts earned him four sacks in the first half and another two in the second. These six sacks in one game set a new record for the Cardinals. The previous record was set by Mike Flores in 1990.
Dumervil gave UK sophomore quarterback Andre’ Woodson fits for most of the contest, and helped prevent the Cats from making the ultimate comeback in the second half.
Many Cardinal players showed signs of talent and intelligence, but also revealed a lack of focus and mental preparation. Many penalties were called against the Cards, costing them lots of yardage and momentum lapses. Even so, these are mistakes that many teams make in first season games.
Students had mixed reactions to their team’s victory over UK but remain optimistic about the future of Cardinal football. “I don’t think UK should have scored as much as they did, but it was a good way to see where we are. I’m glad we have two weeks before our next game so we can make some adjustments,” Savage said.
The Governor’s Cup might not have come with such ease as most people assumed it would, but hopefully U of L has learned what they need to work on so they can run with it directly into the Big East.
“A win is a win,” said former U of L football player Antwan Denson. “Maybe we didn’t do it like we wanted to, but we will be all right. You’ve got to take a win and move on.”
Glypie Grider, Sports Editor, assisted with this story.
