Last Meeting: Memphis won 37-7
All-time record: Louisville leads 20-19
Floor LeFors
So far this season, Louisville's offense has been the college equivalent of the Indianapolis Colts.
The Cardinals rank third in the country in scoring, lighting up the scoreboard for 42 points per game.
Quarterback Stefan LeFors plays the part of Peyton Manning, the rarely sacked, pinpoint controlled, wildly-efficent quarterback who makes the whole offense go. LeFors leads the country in passing efficiency (179.2), yards per attempt (10.03) and completion percentage (76.2). He has thrown just one interception in six games and makes few mistakes.
That's terrible news for the maligned Tigers defense, which still rank 110th against the pass and 74th in scoring defense. Last week against Cincinnati, Memphis didn't do much to calm fears, falling 49-10. Somehow, Memphis has to pressure LeFors without bringing the blitz. Maybe the big crowd will help. Maybe an individual will have a career day. That's what it will take to ground the Cardinals' air attack.
Employ Offensive Behavior
Memphis' offense did little against Cincinatti. Quarterback Danny Wimprine struggled to 52 yards passing. When Wimprine threw well, his receivers dropped balls. DeAngelo Williams ran 16 times for 57 yards, in part because of defensive penetration by the Bearcats.It remains to be seen if the previously effective offense will suffer tonight, but if Memphis has a chance, everyone has to play well. A quick score would help the Tigers regain their offensive swagger. An early burst from Williams might kick-start the offensive line.
It won't be easy. Louisville ranks first in the conference in total defense and scoring defense.
Throw out their 41-38 loss to Miami and they've given up 37 points in their other five games (7.3 points per game). Will the Tigers offense resemble last week's unit, or will the early season unit show up?
The first cannot beat Louisville. The second just might.
Sustain the Intangibles
The Tigers have plenty going for them going into this game. They've had 10 days to prepare for Louisville.
They'll have a huge, boisterous crowd and a national television audience. Because defense is predicated on energy,the Tigers D should experience an initial burst. The key is how well The U of M can maintain it.
Louisville has the edge in execution, if not talent. If the Cardinals get out to an early lead and nullify the crowd noise, they could easily win. If the Tigers can put a quick touchdown on the board, the energized crowed may make life difficult for The U of L. If you don't believe in the importance of momentum, consider this: Memphis is 4-0 this season when they score the game's first touchdown, 1-2 when they don't.
Ben Cowens' Shot in the Dark Prediction:
This one's tough to call. I can see any scenario from a Tigers victory to a Cardinals blowout, but I think it'll be close.The crowd will rejuvenate the Tigers defense and temporarily fluster Louisville's vaunted attack.
Watch each team's linemen in first couple of series. If Memphis is winning the battles early, settle in for a fun night of football. The Tigers will get out to an early lead, but in the second half Louisville's defense will make the difference. Louisville will start to score and Memphis won't keep up.
Louisville 38 Memphis 30
