By Annie Moore–
If there is such a thing as a good loss, that’s what the University of Louisville had against number six Auburn. Bobby Petrino lost the first season opener of his career, and Louisville didn’t get the outcome it wanted, but as Louisville fans migrate back north, there are many positives that came out of the Chik-Fil-A Kickoff Game.
While everyone was busy talking about who would get the start at QB for Louisville between Will Gardner, Reggie Bonnafon and Kyle Bolin, a true freshman was quietly studying the playbook and working towards this game. Lamar Jackson came out and proved to be the leader the team needed.
Jackson had 106 yards rushing on 16 carries, more than any UofL QB in a game since 1974. The true freshman’s 106 yards were also the third most in school history for a quarterback. He also passed for 100 yards.
Jackson came out with sophomore Reggie Bonnafon for the first play of the game and botched a two-QB set that resulted in an interception and quick lead for Auburn. But the freshman re-entered the game in the second quarter and showed resiliency and poise of a four-year veteran.
This freshman’s outstanding debut was reminiscent of another Florida-born Lousiville freshman QB who came in and surprised everyone, you know that one that plays on Sundays in Minnesota now. Jackson’s 206 yards were very Bridgewater-esque and just as Teddy did in 2011, this young gun breathes new life and hope into this offense.
Jackson wasn’t the only young gun that saw playing time in the first game of the season. In total, seven freshmen got into the game. True freshman wide receiver Jaylen Smith replaced Jamari Staples(sprained knee) for the Cardinals and had 34 yards on three catches. Rookie Devante Peete led the Cardinal WRs with 60 yards on three catches.
Junior and WR core leader, James Quick suffered an apparent lower leg injury, a non-contact injury. A full diagnosis has not been released yet, but Quick left the stadium with a walking cast and crutches and head coach Bobby Petrino said it “didn’t look good”. With Quick injured, the freshman might be asked to perform on a more consistent basis to fill the void.
Louisville out-rushed, out-gained and had more first downs than the Tigers. With a true freshman quarterback, a young receiving core, and less-than-stellar offensive line. There are those who would say that there’s no such thing as a ‘good loss’, but as far as losses go, this one had many positives. There will be a full injury report early this week and we’ll find out how bad the damage is on that end. But for now, Louisville Football seems to be ushering in a new era of football that some are already calling the “Lamar Jackson Era”.
