BearcatLair.com - Don't overlook Louisville

October 22, 2009

Scott Springer
BearcatLair.com Staff Writer

Regardless of Saturday's starting quarterback, UC should still be a considerable favorite in the Battle for the Keg of Nails, version XLIX. They won it last year with Tony Pike (who started the year third or fourth on the depth chart at best) and with Dustin Grutza (the previous starter who broke a leg, came back and then bailed out the 'Cats on two separate occasions-at Louisville and at Hawaii).

Before last year's game, Zach Collaros came in for an injured Pike and led UC to the winning scoring drive against Akron. After that, Chazz Anderson went 2-0 as a starter against Marshall and Rutgers. In the end, the machine might not drive the same with an interchangeable part, but Brian Kelly is usually successful in steering it in the right direction.

Ideally, you'd like your veteran at the helm in a big rivalry game. In Tony Pike's case, he best understand the significance of the Louisville game since he's seen more. Wiping away the records and the current status of the teams, the Cardinals had kept the Keg for five straight years prior to last year's 28-20 win by UC in the 'Ville.

One of those wins was two years ago, when Louisville came in and spoiled the last 6-0 start that Brian Kelly got out to. They might not be the Louisville of the past, but the Cardinals still have talent.

"Keg of Nails...one thing that should be pointed out is we've only had this thing one time in the last six years," said Kelly. "You've heard the cliches. Throw out the stats, throw out all those things, it's really an emotional game, one that's going to be hard fought. Last year, we had to battle for four quarters to pull out a really close game down there."

Despite a 2-4 mark this year, the Cardinals have been able to move the ball. They gained 457 yards on Connecticut last weekend and quarterback Adam Froman was 24-31 for 295, at one time completing 16 straight passes.

"Louisville's gotten better and better from week to week," Kelly confirmed. "This is an improving football team. I think they've settled on their quarterback. Froman is a guy that throws the ball well. (He's got) a strong arm and escapability."

He is also has a decent running game to balance things out with Victor Anderson returning and and Bilal Powell who had 87 yards and couple scores against UConn.

"(It's a) 1-2 punch with Anderson and Powell," said Kelly. "Two very, very good backs. (Also) Long (Scott) the receiver is 6-3/6-4 who will go up and get the football. You've got Beaumont (Doug) in the slot-it's a very talented offense. The offensive line is coming together each and every week, they're big and physical. This is a good football team that's getting better and better offensively."

On the other side of the ball, the Cards have had some issues. Kentucky scored 31 on them, Utah 30, Pitt 35 and Connecticut 38. Evidence shows that none of those offenses are as potent as UC's.
Still, every good coach is on the lookout and will "talk up" the opposition.

"Defensively, (they have) veteran linebackers, three return," said Kelly. "Again, a football team that's playing better and better each and every week."

One element that won't be involved in this game is the "logo" factor. In past years, Louisville coaches have alleged, insinuated, imagined and/or "blown up" stories of UC Bearcats dancing and disrespecting the Cardinal at Papa John's Stadium.
In 2004, Bobby Petrino used it as a rallying cry to pistol-whip a Gino Guidugli-less UC team 70-7 in a driving rain. Even the embattled Steve Kragthorpe has tried to pull out this trick. (Lord knows why one should respect a painted bird in the middle of the field, but maybe that's just me.)

In '04, Mark Dantonio's squad was just completing a pre-game warm-up routine that ended with a punt to midfield and then the guys jumping up and down on each other. I assure you, Mark Dantonio would be the last coach on earth to "taunt" another opponent. Last year, Brian Kelly's men gathered at midfield for a prayer (as they usually do at EVERY road game). Again, holding hands and praying around a spray-painted bird sure doesn't sound disrespectful.

Saturday, prior to the 3:30 kickoff at Nippert, Brian Kelly says the midfield C-Paw is open game.

"They can do anything they want," said Kelly. "They can jump on the C-Paw. They can pray on it. It really won't affect me too much, we'll be fine."

Kelly guarantees that regardless of 50-yard line war dances or heavenly proclamations, he will shake hands with the opposing coach.

"I did last year and I will do it in the honor of sportsmanship every single week, no matter what, unless they don't want to shake my hand."

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