Offensive grades a third of the way
Louisville football's pursuit of bowl eligibility took a hit with a 35-24 loss to Florida State last week. The Cardinals sit at 2-2 a third of the way through the season.
Quarterbacks
Jawon Pass started the first two games before suffering a lower leg injury, which allowed Malik Cunningham to start against Western Kentucky (WKU) and Florida State.
Pass has completed 52.2 percent of his throws for 330 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 104 yards.
Cunningham has been a tick better than Pass, completing 60.9% percent of his throws for 429 yards and four touchdowns along with 124 rushing yards.
Cunningham looked good at times against Florida State, completing 16 of 27 throws for 286 yards and two touchdowns, but an interception in the fourth quarter led to a go-ahead Florida State touchdown.
C+ Pass and Cunningham have managed the offense fine so far, but both quarterbacks need to become more consistent throwing the ball.
Running Backs
Although coach Scott Satterfield has said he isn't surprised by Javian Hawkins production, the red-shirt freshman running back has surely surprised opponents.
Hawkins has rushed for 390 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. He posted back-to-back 100-yard games to begin the season.
Hassan Hall, the Cardinals' leading rusher from a year ago, is averaging 4.9 yards per carry and totaled 239 yards.
A- Hawkins and Hall have been productive runners thus far.
Hassan Hall carries the ball in the red zone against WKU. (Photo by Sam Draut)
Offensive Line
From a position group that was the biggest concern going into the season to a strength of the team, the offensive line has been good.
Louisville is averaging 226.3 rushing yards in a run-heavy offensive attack. The Cardinals have allowed 11 sacks, but it's hard to be critical with the offensive line on a several of losses as Cunningham tried to extend plays with his feet.
Mekhi Becton has looked every bit of his NFL potential as the left tackle.
B+ Depth is going to be a concern for the remainder of the year, but the unit has been better than expected.
Receivers
Tutu Atwell has been the big-play threat and targeted the most. The sophomore has 16 receptions for 310 yards and five touchdowns.
Dez Fitzpatrick was quiet the first three games, but burst back onto the scene against Florida State, hauling in seven receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown.
Tight end Marshon Ford has been a valuable target out of the H-back spot, catching seven passes for 140 yards and two scores.
B the receiving core will have a larger effect on the offense as Pass and Cunningham become more comfortable throwing the ball.
