By: Kris Carr
The Right Man For Job
It is very odd to feel good after a loss.
Moral victories are for people who don't win very much and should never be your finish line.
That being said Charlie Strong is in a uphill climb to rebuild the UofL football program. After watching the team play on Saturday, I am convinced we have the right man for the job.
While coming up short by a touchdown to rival UK, UofL looks to be a much more prepared and well coached team than in previous years. Countless times under the previous coaching staff, when the offense stalled and it was time for a field goal, our former coach would elect to go for it on fourth down.
Rarely did we ever make the conversion and, even worse, it destroyed the confidence in all of our kickers.
Saturday, when it was time to kick a field goal, we lined up and kicked a field goal.
Same kickers, different result. 3 points instead of 0.
The special teams units looked more disciplined and displayed more sound tackling.
There were also noticeable adjustments at halftime on offense and defense that slowed UK on both sides of the ball.
Halftime adjustments were never part of Steve Kragthorpe's game plan.
This was the result of having a man on the sideline who was in charge and had firm plan of attack instead of a coach who was always reactive rather than proactive.
The atmosphere of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium was also changed.
Gone was the negative cloud and the “here we go again” sighs.
They were replaced by excited fans looking for signs of improvement and hope.
In addition to the teams improved organization, the newly renovated stadium was beautiful.
The new addition seems like it was built the same day as the rest of the stadium and the party deck was a great place for fans to socialize and have a good time.
Next week, Coach Strong hosts the Eastern Kentucky Colonels.
He will hope to get some offense rolling and score some touchdowns against team that lost 6 games last year and it's season opener to Missouri State 31-9.This is the type of game that should give Strong's young players some much needed confidence to build on for the rest of the season.
Final Prediction: UofL Rolls 42-17.
Final Note: UofL, please save the fireworks for touchdowns.
I don't mind the train whistle for field goals, but the fireworks display for three points seems a little desperate.
