Louisville Caps Off Fall Camp With Another Productive Scrimmage

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - It seems like it only just begun, but fall camp for the Louisville football program is now complete. Concluding their third and final week of the preseason, the Cardinals ended things on a high note, gathering inside of L&N Stadium on Saturday for their second full scrimmage of the fall.

Like with their first scrimmage exactly one week ago, Louisville did show some room for improvement before they travel down to Atlanta to kick off their 2023 season against Georgia Tech. That being said, head coach Jeff Brohm did see a lot to like as well.

"Well, it was a good, long scrimmage," Brohm said. "It's something we needed. Like everything, there was some good, there were some bad. There were some moments that we definitely got to clean up, so it's good to see that.

"We ran a lot of game-like situations in team settings, and saw good and bad. I just think we have to look at the film and clean some things up. But I do think our guys played hard, we made some improvements, and the scrimmage went well."

In the first scrimmage of fall camp last week, Louisville's defense seemed to be the side of the ball that struggled the most, at least according to Brohm. But in scrimmage No. 2, while the offense did eventually get things going later on, the defense is the unit that set the tone early.

"I do think that, early on, our defense played well," he said. "They put pressure on the quarterback, they were able to disrupt routes, they were able to disguise their coverages and fronts and give us a lot of different looks, and they gave the offense some problems today. I think that if we can build on that, and also be precise in what we're doing there, create some turnovers and sacks, it'll definitely help us. We got to play complimentary football."

Part of this was due to the actual play of the defense and their goal to be as aggressive as they can, and part of it was because of the offense putting themselves behind the eight ball. Brohm said that a handful of penalties put the offensive in some long yardage situations, and while starting quarterback Jack Plummer continues to display a high level of intelligence and arm strength, there were a few throws and decisions in the scrimmage that led to some offensive setbacks.

"I thought we got off to a slow start today, and then we were able to pick things up halfway through," Brohm said. "I think that's just something we got to learn to get better at.

"I think Jack's strength's, he can lead the team, direct the offense, he's smart. When we have some penalties and things set us back, he's got to be smart and not try to do too much. Sometimes, that can happen with a good quarterback when they're trying to impress. He's just got to take what the defense gives him. We've got to be smart with our play calling and do what he does best. For the most part, it was a good day, it was productive, and there's a lot things to learn from."

One of Brohm's largest takeaways from the scrimmage - as well as fall camp as a whole - is that there has been no shortage of effort from either side of the line of scrimmage. He knows that any potential shortcomings Louisville may face will certainly not be coming from a lack of effort, and that his guys are wholly dedicated to helping the team win in year one under his guidance.

"I think our guys care," he said. "I think the've worked hard and put a lot of time into it, and they want to win. Knowing what it takes, how hard it's gonna be no matter who you play, the obstacles you're gonna have to overcome, how you're going to have to stick together, how you never know when your number is going to be called. You may get a few touches one game, then a lot more the next. You got to be able to adapt and adjust to that, and continue to play hard. Block for your teammates, play for your teammates.

"Understand there's one ball on offense. Understand on defense, everyone's got to swarm to the ball and make the tackle, make the play. Just a lot of small things that, mentally, you've got to be able to handle. Play together and realize that in college football if you don't do those, you will not win."

Louisville's first day of classes are set for Monday, Aug. 21. The Cardinals will kick off their 2023 season against Georgia Tech in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Friday, Sept. 1.

(Photo via University of Louisville Athletics)

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