Scruggs responds to coach’s challenge

Even after dropping a close contest to his hometown school – the University of Cincinnati – University of Louisville junior defensive tackle Greg Scruggs remained his jovial self while conveying his disappointment in the game’s result. He was still able to keep his typical sense of humor when describing his first-quarter interception.

“You know, I just ran a little 6-yard hitch and all of a sudden the ball was in my hands,” said Scruggs. “I think that’s the first time someone hadn’t seen me since about the third grade. It was a perfect spiral.”

The interception was the first of Scruggs’ career.

“It was a play where he was just dropping into coverage,” said head coach Charlie Strong. “Someone just didn’t see him.”

Scruggs, who graduated from Cincinnati’s St. Xavier High School, also had a fumble recovery in the 35-27 loss in the Battle for the Keg of Nails. He and sophomore cornerback Darius Ashley, who registered eight tackles, were among the few bright spots on U of L’s defense. Cincinnati’s offense was able to put up 453 yards and five touchdowns.

“I was really excited to see that game from [Scruggs],” said Ashley. “He needed to have a productive game today. And he did.”

Defensive line coach Clint Hurtt publicly called Scruggs out earlier in the week, for a lack of intensity in the season’s first five games. Scruggs said he felt an immediate need to respond.

“My coach challenged me openly,” said Scruggs. “And so I really wanted to carry my team to victory. When he tells me he’s disappointed in me, I really take that personally. And I want to come out here and change his mind.”

Junior defensive end William Savoy noted Scruggs’ performance bloomed out of the challenge from Hurtt, saying it was a much better performance than in the first five games.

“He just stuck with it,” said Savoy. “He’s been struggling for the first couple games. But, like Coach says, ‘Just stick with it and good things will happen.’ He was everywhere out on the field. He really stepped up today. And we really needed that from him.”

Because it was his hometown team, Scruggs said the loss to Cincinnati hurt even more. But he has hope for future games.

“It’s really frustrating, being from Cincinnati,” said Scruggs. “And not just because it’s a league loss. We put so much time and preparation into every league game, to lose one is a killer. But we have to bounce back and be ready to play another one next week. That’s the beauty of it.”

Scruggs feels his relationship with Hurtt, whom he calls his best friend, will help him continue to improve.

“He and I just mesh really well,” said Scruggs. “He’s not only my coach, you know. I go over to his house almost every week for something. And no matter what I do, I know he wants what’s best for me.”

Scruggs also said he was pleased with the crowd’s performance on the big stage against Cincinnati. He hopes this will continue next week when the Cards continue Big East play at home against the University of Connecticut on Saturday, Oct. 23.

“The excitement – the crowd was amazing,” said Scruggs. “That was the loudest I’ve heard it since I’ve been here. It was amazing. We just hope they’ll continue. Because we need the fans to be like that all year. And we’ve got to start winning games like this.”