By Whitney Spencer
On Friday, Oct. 2 the University of Louisville football team will open the Big East season, playing the University of Pittsburgh at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. This won’t be just any regular home game though, as the athletic department has declared this game a Blackout.
Fans are encouraged to wear black to the game, or even purchase the official 2009 Blackout t-shirt. This shirt can be purchased from The Cardinal Store, across from Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, or from the University of Louisville Athletics’ Web site.
The Pittsburgh Panthers (3-1) were picked to finish at the top of the Big East, while the Cardinals (1-2) were picked to finish second to last. But the Panthers dropped a close game against North Carolina State last Saturday, Sept. 26. Pittsburgh had four opportunities from the NC State 8-yard line to tie the game in the closing minutes, but could not get the ball across the goal line.
Pittsburgh gave up 525 yards of offense on 322 passing yards, while they only managed to gain 300 total yards of offense. The Panthers still had a chance, after a failed snap was recovered on the opponent’s 8-yard line, but the ball never found the end zone.
Louisville, on the other hand, is coming off a 30-14 loss against the University of Utah. They were only able to gain 261 yards of total offense. The running game struggled, as the Cardinals were only able to muster 80 yards rushing the entire game. Protection broke down numerous times as junior quarterback Justin Burke was sacked six times. Louisville was able to close the gap in the final quarter to 23-14, after a save by junior tight end Cameron Graham, but the Utes responded quickly. An 80-yard drive was capped off by a 34-yard touchdown and the Utes held for the victory.
Last year the Panthers were able to secure themselves a bowl bid, with a 41-7 rout of the Cardinals in Pittsburgh. To ensure that the same doesn’t happen again, the Cardinals cannot afford to have as many fundamental mistakes as they did last year. Victor Anderson must be able to make moves in the running game, or the pressure will sit heavy on Burke, after a mediocre performance at Utah.
The Cards will need a much better performance from the offensive line, if Burke is going to be expected to make plays through the air. The one positive thing that fans have to look forward to is that history is on Louisville’s side. Pittsburgh is winless in their last three visits to Louisville. If the Cardinal defense can contain the rush and Burke can manage to find his receivers, the Cards have a chance to pull the upset.
A limited number of tickets are still available through the U of L ticket office in the Student Activities Center.
