By Chris O’Grady
The sight of reserves Blayne Donnell and Will Stein jumping up and down with the beat of Zombie Nation’s “Kernkraft 400” like many rabid U of L fans after senior wide receiver Doug Baumont’s 72 yard punt return encapsulated the afternoon for the Cards, rolling over the University of Connecticut 26-0. They simply looked more excited to be there.
The punt return came during the third quarter for Beaumont. If it had not been for a Zed Evans block in the back penalty, it may had been Beaumont’s second of the game.
“After that first one got called back all the guys on punt return were like yeah we’re gonna go get another one,” said Beaumont. “And when I caught it I saw the crease got through it, and then it was just me and the punter.”
Senior Johnny Patrick, who recorded his seventh career interception Saturday along with four tackles, said the play was a big momentum shifter for the Cards.
“That was just amazing for us,” said Patrick. “Haven’t seen a punt return go for a touchdown since Trent (Guy).”
Even though the team was plagued with penalties in the first half, it seemed they were simply more prepared to play than a UConn team, who fell to 3-4. UConn running back Jordan Todman, among the national leaders in rushing, was held to only 19 carries for 80 yards. Head coach Charlie Strong said stopping him was paramount for the defensive game plan.
“We knew we were going to have to stop Todman on the run,” said Strong. “It just came down to the mindset that we are going to stop the run. And we loaded the box and did everything we could to make them one-dimensional.”
The Cards second shutout of the season consistently disrupted Connecticut redshirt mfreshman quarterback Michael Box, who threw for just 35 yards.
U of L running back Bilal Powell had what for him seemed like a slow game, but he reached the milestone of 1000 yards rushing on the season, with 105 yards Saturday on 27 carries. Coach Strong said getting Powell to that milestone was high on his goals for the game.
“I told the offensive line before the game today that we weren’t leaving until we got Bilal Powell to 1000 yards,” said Strong. “He’s the best running back in the country.”
After the game Powell addressed the media for the first time all season to talk about his milestone. He deflected all the credit he could, saying his season long silence was to keep the spotlight on other guys.
“It was such a blessing to get here I just thank Jesus Christ that I’m able to be here and to run behind such a great offensive line,” said Powell. “I don’t take all the credit for this, I’m just excited to run behind our line, they executed really well.”
His offensive line turned it right back to Powell, with center Mario Benevides praising his work ethic and character.
“He’s like a brother to me, I used to live with him in the dorms,” said Benevides. ” I’ve known him for a while now and he’s just a great person. You can’t say anything negative about Bilal. And that’s just his personality. You go and talk about his work ethic and his skill set. I don’t think there’s anybody else you can compare to him.”
In response to hearing that coach Strong called him the best back in the country, Powell responded again by deflecting credit.
“That’s such an honor to hear from him, you know someone who is of his stature to say,” said Powell. “But at the same time, it’s about the other guys out there blocking for me. I’m honored, I’m overwhelmed. The next game keeps getting bigger and bigger for us and who knows where we can go. We just got to take each game at a time.”
Kicker Chris Philpott also tied a school record Saturday for most field goals in a game with four. The Cards next head to Heinz Field to play the University of Pittsburgh on Saturday Oct. 30.
