Steve Thompson
Louisville Cardinal football fans gained their exclamation point on the best turnaround season in school history. Winning the Music City Bowl 38-28, solidified the program at 8-5 on the season and sends a message, that the Cardinals can win now, with the talent they have. Louisville had its challenges against the larger and more physical Mississippi State team, a team that played much better this season in the SEC, than their 6-6 record indicates.
Early on it was the size and physicality of the Bulldogs that slowed the Cardinals. Micale Cunningham orchestrated Louisville’s first drive 95 yards only to have his potential TD pass picked off at the one yard line. Bulldog quarterback Tommy Stevens, then led his team 95 yards and punched in a 3 yard run to give State the first score of the game, and then a second, to give the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead. At this point, the Cardinals could have rolled-over…but they didn’t. They continued to adjust, as Mississippi State didn’t have an answer for the speed of Louisville off the snap. A half-back pass, then a field goal late int the second quarter had Louisville trailing 14-10 at the half.
They say many football games are won at halftime and the adjustments the Cardinals made were impressive. Changes included a series of new defensive schemes and a more angular offense, giving the Cardinals room on the outside to get busy. Cunningham hit DeVante Peete for another Louisville score taking the lead 17-14. Inspired, it was time for the Louisville Defense to show what they had brought to the party in Nashville, A fumble created on a strip from quarterback Stevens, was returned in the endzone for another score and a 10 point lead for the Cards, 24-14.
Steve Thompson is a syndicated writer for many sports websites and publications. He is best known for his part in hosting the Sporting Times radio show in two different regions and creating the Sports Fanatics.
