Cardinals face disruptive Miami defense
Louisville football has played its fair share of talented defenses in recent weeks. The Cardinals will see another one Nov. 9 against Miami after ending the month of October against the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top defenses in Clemson and Virginia.
Louisville used its bye week to analyze its mistakes in the past four games. Dwayne Ledford, the offensive line coach, says some little things get overlooked during game weeks because of focus on a game plan for the ensuing opponent.
“The bye week was phenomenal,” Ledford said. “I like the way our guys are approaching practices and games, they are really focused at the task at hand.”
Ledford says Miami is as talented as a defense Louisville will compete against this season. Miami is limiting opponents to 18.3 points and 97.8 rushing yards per game.
“They have a tremendous defense and it’s everybody on their defense,” Ledford said. “Their secondary, they are going to play a lot of man. Those guys can run in the back end. They’re physical.”
Miami has the 12-ranked rush while defensive end Greg Rousseau is tied for second nationally with 12 sacks. Shaquille Quarterman and Michael Pinckney are a pair of senior linebackers that have started since their freshmen year.
“We have to be really good with our fundamentals,” Ledford said. “We have to play really good within our scheme fundamentally because those guys are fast and athletic.”
Miami gets around the ball to disrupt opponents’ offense. The Hurricanes have allowed just three teams to rush for over 100 yards. Louisville offensive line has a challenging task in Miami. The Cardinals are averaging 218.1 rushing yards per game.
“They are very stout up front, they have a great front seven,” Cardinal offensive lineman Tyler Haycraft said.
Louisville’s front-five will continue to rotate players to keep offensive linemen fresh in the fourth quarter. Adonis Boone, a lineman Ledford calls the most improved of the unit, has added to the depth.
The sophomore has appeared in the four of the last five games as a guard or tackle.
“He is playing extremely well,” Ledford said. “He is showing a lot of versatility. He is a strong kid that is athletic as well.”
