November 14, 2011
Coming off a 21-14 loss at home to Pittsburgh, Louisville (5-5, 3-2) returns to action this week at Connecticut (4-5, 2-2). The game can be seen live on the BIG EAST Television Network on WHAS TV at noon.
The Huskies are coming off a bye, but defeated Syracuse 28-21 on Nov. 5.
“So, we have a good matchup on Saturday against Connecticut, a very physical football team,” said head coach Charlie Strong at his weekly press conference. ”That is going to depend on how we approach this game, how our players approach this game and then on how well we go play on the road.”
Running back Lyle McCombs leads the way for Connecticut, running for an average for 109.0 yards per game, which ranks second in the BIG EAST and 17th nationally. The Huskies are a run first offense that has relied on McCombs’ 224 carries in nine games.
The Huskies defense ranks sixth in the country against the run, yielding 89.89 yards and have allowed just seven rushing touchdowns.
The Cardinals are trying to get bowl eligible for the second straight week. Louisville is 1-3 when trying to become qualify for a bowl under Strong.
“You look at it, and once out of the least four seasons, which was last season, we were in the same position and we were able to go get bowl eligible,” said Strong. ”Now, you’re on the road for two games. If it is important enough to our guys, then they’ll go get their mindset and get ready to go and try to get it done. I just think that it will be a huge step forward in this program to get to a bowl game this season when you were sitting there this season thinking how many games you could realistically go win. Now, you’re going to place yourself in a position to get to a bowl game.”
Connecticut Leaders
Rushing
Lyle McCombs 224 for 981 (4.4), 5 TD
Passing
Johnny McEntee 124 of 236, 1,515 yds, 9 TD, 6 INT
Receiving
Isiah Moore 32 for 436 (13.6), 0 TD
Scoring
Dave Teggert 14-20 FG, 22-22 PAT, 64 pts
Tackles
Jory Johnson 74 tackles, 4.0 TFL
