Handful of Cardinals set to participate in NFL Combine Monday, Mar 6 2023 

Football and Indianapolis and Kei'Trel Clark and Lamar Jackson and malik cunningham and NFL Combine and sports and Tiyon Evans and Yasir Abdullah and Yaya Diaby Spencer Laws 5:02 pm

By Spencer Laws

As the 2023 NFL Combine kicked off on March 2nd at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, five former Cardinals are set to participate in the event. 

This includes quarterback Malik Cunningham, running back Tiyon Evans, defensive end Yaya Diaby, linebacker Yasir Abdullah, and cornerback Kei’Trel Clark. This is another critical step in the draft process for all players as the timeline till draft night closes in on these players. 

The defensive starts off

The defense kicked off the event by starting their drills on Thursday. Diaby and Abdullah will attempt to raise their draft stock in different drills during this process. 

Diaby, who appeared in 13 games this past season, finished with 37 total tackles while attaining 9 sacks with 14 tackles for a loss. Measuring in at 6’3 and 263 pounds, his combine stats include a 4.51 40-yard dash time, and 37″ vertical jump. His total score places him 5th among DE’s at the combine.  

Abdullah also appeared in 13 games finishing with 63 total tackles, 14.5 Tackles for a loss as well as 9.5 sacks. His stats include a 4.47 40-yard dash time, and a 10’9″ broad jump, placing him 11th at all combine linebackers. 

Friday showcased the defensive backs in the different drills. Kei’Trel Clark teed off the affair; he performed in 12 games this year recording 51 total tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 1 interception, and 4 pass breakups. His performance at the combine earned him a 5.80 rating, meaning he’s projected as an “Average Backup or Special-Teamer”

The offense takes over

Quarterbacks unloaded at noon this past Saturday. Cunningham will begin trying to land himself on an NFL roster. He was recently selected 22nd overall by the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions, but clarified that he had “no clue about it”. His intention is to test the NFL waters. 

Malik, of course, is a multi-record holder here at the university; his achievements include passing for over 1500 yards and 8 touchdowns adding 700 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground this season, only appearing in 10 games. 

Though former Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson opted out of running the 40-yard dash in both the NFL Combine and his Louisville pro day, Cunnigham opted in, recording a 4.53. The biggest question for teams is how to fit his dual-threat ability into their offense. 

Running backs and offensive linemen were scheduled for this past Sunday, so Tiyon Evans will “shut” down the event for the Cards.

Evans battled a couple of different injuries this past season only being able to perform in 8 games this season. In those 8 games, the Hartsville, SC native racked up over 500 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns. He grades overall as the 22nd-best runningback.

During this event, all players went through drills, meetings, and interviews with teams to help make their case and point on potentially being drafted. The 2023 NFL Draft is set for April 27th-29th, 2023. 

Photo Courtesy // USA Today // 

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Satterfield out at head coach, accepts Cincinnati job; former player Deion Branch named interim Monday, Dec 5 2022 

ACC and Big Ten and Football and Jeff Brohm and Josh Heird and Luke Fickell and Madden Sanker and malik cunningham and News and Pierce Clarkson and Ruben Owens and Scott Satterfield and sports Spencer Laws 2:53 pm

By Spencer Laws

In a surprise move that brings many long-term fans a familiar sense of deja vu, Louisville football head coach Scott Satterfield is moving on from the program to go north to the University of Cincinnati. 

Big morning news

It was reported Monday morning by multiple sources, starting Cincinnati Enquirer’s Keith Jenkins, that Scott Satterfield had accepted a six-year deal to become the next head football coach at the University of Cincinnati. 

The Cincinnati job had been open after their previous coach Luke Fickell accepted the University of Wisconsin head position this past November. According to his contract, the buyout Cincinnati had to pay was $3.5 million. 

This move seems very much unforeseen and sudden, with Satterfield and his team picking up a lot of momentum in the second half of this season. They finished 7-5 after starting 2-3, including defeating No. 10 Wake Forest and No. 25 NC State. 

Multiple players and coaches were surprised by the whirlwind move across social media. “I literally just woke up,” defensive lineman Selah Brown posted.

“Coach Satterfield’s heart was never in the Ville; he was trying to leave after year one. My son has been at Louisville for five years, and I never spoke with the guy. He never built a relationship with parents or players,” Xavier Abdullah, father of star linebacker Yassir tweeted.

Consistency in the wrong areas

Satterfield’s time at Louisville was filled with inconsistency in the team’s performance, with the only consistent being the predictable play calling. The whole city could see when the run play coming in long yardage situations.  

In the 3 games against in-state rival Kentucky during the Governor’s Cup rivalry, it was a loss each time. In 2019, the Cards put up an embarrassing 45-13 loss; Lynn Bowden and the Wildcats ran all over the Cards, racking up 517 rushing yards. 

Covid held off the 2020 match, so following in 2021 the Cards endured another 52-21 loss- this time, Will Levis and Chris Rodriguez Jr. combined for 234 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

The latest thrashing took place not long ago on the 26th. Another 26-13 loss- although, Satterfield was without starting QB Malik Cunningham. 

Questions We Have

A lot of question marks rose from this move, most importantly: what does this do to the impressive top 20 recruiting class of ‘23? 

A few of these players are set to enroll early and hit campus next spring, including #1 ranked running back in the class, Reuben Owens. Other players- four-star dual-threat quarterback Pierce Clarkson, and four-star offensive lineman Madden Sanker are also reporting for the spring semester. 

A personal question I have is where would Satterfield be if he didn’t have Malik Cunningham over the last four seasons?

Satterfield’s best player during his time here is a guy that fell into his lap when he accepted the job. As this situation continues to unfold, you have to wonder how successful would Satterfield have been without a playmaker as good as Cunningham.

A lot of the wins and surprising success Satterfield has had here are due to players that he had no part in recruiting. If you remember, Satterfield’s arrival in 2019 was preceded by former head coach Bobby Petrino’s second stint. Petrino was fired in 2018, with the university buying out the rest of his 14.1 million dollar contract.

Brohm Bound?

The overwhelming majority of the fans have put current Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm at the top of their wishlist. 

Brohm is finishing up his sixth season in West Lafayette and reached a bowl game in 4 of those seasons. He most notably picked up an impressive overtime win against Tennessee in last year’s Music City Bowl and is also coming off the program’s first Big Ten championship appearance.

Brohm is 3-1 against top 5 ranked opponents, demonstrating that he has the ability to coach alongside the best in the country. 

Where the program goes from here

Whoever Athletic Director Josh Heird hires for the job will have their hands full next season, beginning with the hole left in the quarterback position post-Malik Cunningham. 

Heird released the following statement this morning: 

“We’re grateful to Scott for his dedication to our program and wish him well. We are always prepared to conduct head coaching searches, and we will begin a national search immediately to identify our next head coach. We will be looking for a tremendous leader who recognizes both the history and potential of Louisville Football and is committed long-term to helping the program reach new heights.”

Heird has had his hands full over his short stint as AD so far. He first dealt with Chris Mack and the University mutually parting ways, which resulted in hiring Kenny Payne. He is now set to begin the search again.

Bowl Bound…but coaching both teams?

Ironically, the Cards face off against Satterfield’s new landing spot, the University of Cincinnati in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl on December 17th at 11 A.M. ET.

Super Bowl MVP and Louisville alumni Deion Branch will serve as interim head coach.

Photo Courtesy // Spencer Laws, The Louisville Cardinal //

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Cards Can’t Close at BC, 34-33 Wednesday, Oct 5 2022 

ACC and boston college and Cardinals and Football and Josh Heird and Louisville and malik cunningham and Scott Satterfield and sports and UVA Spencer Laws 4:16 pm

By Spencer Laws

One Point Short

This past Saturday, October 1st, Louisville lost what many would consider another easy ACC win. The Cards came into the game 14-point favorites, yet choked one away 34-33.

The loss was a combined effort by the whole team. The defense was lit up in the passing game, giving up 304 yards and three touchdowns in the air. Boston College receiver Zay Flowers recorded five catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns, receiving ACC Receiver of the Week awards for his performance. 

Cunningham added to his already impressive rushing touchdowns total by adding three more against BC. His passing game still somewhat struggled, as he put up 19-28 completions with only 186 yards and a touchdown. Cunningham took a big hit midway through the 4th quarter, so junior Brock Domann came to close out the game. He is considered day-to-day.

A special teams miscue came back to bite the Cards as kicker James Turner had an extra point blocked in the second quarter. That kick would be the difference maker in overtime.

What Comes Next

With this result, it feels like the point of no return for Satterfield and the company. Many are up conflicted in the fan community about his coaching staff and play- some are already calling for his firing. One Twitter account even replies to U of L related posts “#BringBrohmHome“

However, what good would it do to fire Satterfield mid-way through this season? With the outstanding recruiting class of ‘23 set to hit campus in the spring, how many of those recruits would de-commit with Satterfield’s exit? 

When Heird took the Job last December he came out and stated that he as AD wouldn’t settle for mediocrity. Card Nation has their hands up right now as their football team continues to lose games week in and week out. Louisville now has 4 consecutive losses versus Power 5 teams, leaving us among the bottom 5. 

Meanwhile, you would assume to see some changes from Satterfield in the coming weeks as he attempts to save his job. In an October 4th press conference Satterfield stated that he’s “Got to spend more time helping all the facets of the game, particularly defensively and on special teams.” As for why? “Losing games.”

The Cards are back in action this Saturday, October 8th traveling to Virginia to face off with UVA at noon, on the ACC network.

Photo Courtesy // Taris Smith, Louisville Athletics – GoCards.com //

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The Cards Drop Another ACC Game as FSU Comes to Town Wednesday, Sep 21 2022 

2022 and ACC and cards and Football and fsu and malik cunningham and Scott Satterfield and sports Spencer Laws 10:21 pm

By: Spencer Laws

Louisville Football drops a game that many thought they should have won. 

The Cards seemed to have an answer for everything the Seminoles threw at them. Louisville responded with two touchdowns in the first quarter, after originally going down 7-0 to start the game. 

The Cardinals went into the half holding a 7 point lead over Florida State, with the score 21-14. 

Quarterback Malik Cunningham was having an exceptional game up to this point. He showcased both sides of his game—passing and running. 

The Cardinal offense were without starting running back Tiyon Evans and second string Jalen Mitchell. 

Backs Trevion Cooley and Jawhar Jordan picked up the load that was left for them. Both combined for over 160 yards all-purpose yards, with Cooley breaking into the in zone twice. 

The Issues

Two narratives about Louisville continue to be the story on the field. Similar to the thoughts of many fans and experts last week, tackling seems to lead to the downfall of the defense. On top of that, penalties are another huge issue that puts the team a leg behind. 

Louisville has started this season committing 29 penalties for 204 yards just 3 weeks in. 

Head coach Scott Satterfield addressed the self-inflicted wounds in his press conference September 20th.  

Satterfield stated,“It’s the pre-snap penalties that really effect you. Being offsides, false starts, those types of things. We have to get better at that.”

The Change

The Cards looked in total control over the Seminoles, as former Cardinal, Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis exited the game with a leg injury. FSU brought in their backup with minimal experience.

Florida States backup, Tate Rodemaker felt the pressure early from the Cardinal defense. Rodemaker was sacked three times and threw an interception. 

Rodemaker was eventually able to turn around his performance, to lead the ‘Noles to comeback and take the lead in the final minutes. While doing so, Rodemaker threw for two impressive touchdowns to Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson. 

Wilson put up pretty impressive numbers himself. Ending the game with seven receptions, 149 yards and two touchdowns. 

Satterfield was questioned in his post game press conference about matching up against Wilson. 

“Is that the big guy? Thats what made him so difficult. He’s 6’7 200 and something pounds,” Satterfield said  

Cunningham and the Cardinal offense had to chance to close the game out with a touchdown to win the game getting the ball back with 1:37 left on the clock. 

The offense was able to move the ball up to the Louisville 46, as the fan base regained hope with the clock dwindling under a minute. 

Then, a costly decision by the fifth-year starter ended the comeback attempt. FSU picked off Malik with 37 seconds left to close out the Cards. 

Full Circle

With this result the Louisville faithful return to the same attitude they had after the Syracuse game. Furthermore, the same question remains: 

How much longer does Satterfield have if he continues to churn out these atrocious results? 

The Cards are back in action this Saturday to right the ship at Cardinal Stadium before starting ACC play. 

They host University of South Florida at noon back in front of Card Nation. 

The post The Cards Drop Another ACC Game as FSU Comes to Town appeared first on The Louisville Cardinal.

 

U of L routs Syracuse 30-0 in home victory Monday, Nov 23 2020 

ACC and ACC Football and Boston College Football and Braden Smith and Cardinal Stadium and Football and Jalen Mitchell and James Turner and malik cunningham and Maurice Barkley and sports and Syracuse football and Tutu Atwell and U of L football John McCarthy 3:00 pm

By John McCarthy–

The University of Louisville football team defeated Syracuse 30-0 on Nov. 20 at Cardinal Stadium.

U of L improves their record to 3-6, while the Orange has their record fall to 1-8 on the season.

Friday’s win was a much-needed victory for the Cardinals, who improve to 2-6 in ACC conference play. U of L now sits at 12th place in the ACC standings.

Sophomore James Turner kicked off the scoring outburst for the Cardinals after completing a booming 50-yard field goal. Turner’s field goal was the lone scoring mark in the opening quarter for both teams.

Turner fired again in the second quarter at the 6:25 mark, splashing a 40-yard field goal. Freshman Jalen Mitchell tallied up his first career carry for the Cardinals in the second quarter. Mitchell hustled into the endzone for a 2-yard touchdown with only 3:36 left in the half. With 30 seconds left in the second quarter, Junior Malik Cunningham danced into the endzone for a 4-yard rushing touchdown.

U of L was firmly in the driver’s seat heading into halftime, leading the Orange 20-0.

The first nine minutes of the third quarter was quiet for both the Cardinals and Syracuse. At the 6:45 mark, Cunningham completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Tutu Atwell. Then, in the fourth quarter, Turner struck again with a 33-yard field goal.

Louisville took home the victory with ease 30-0.

Cunningham completed 19-28 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown. Senior Maurice Barkley had ten carries for 56 yards. Freshman Braden Smith had seven receptions for 65 yards. Turner had nine points on three field goals totaling 123 yards kicked.

U of L will head to Massachusetts to face Boston College on Nov. 28 at 4 p.m.

Photo Courtesy ACC Media

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Virginia’s Cavaliers come out on top against Cardinals 31-17 Monday, Nov 16 2020 

ACC Football and Cardinal Stadium and Dez Fitzpatrick and Football and James Turner and Javian Hawkins and malik cunningham and sports and Syracuse football and Tutu Atwell and U of L football and Virginia football John McCarthy 3:00 pm

By John McCarthy–

The University of Louisville football team traveled to Virginia this weekend to take on the Cavaliers. The Cardinals were without sophomore Tutu Atwell and sophomore Javian Hawkins due to illness.

Virginia (3-4) topped the Cardinals (2-6) in the ACC bout 31-17 on Nov. 14.

Junior James Turner put the Cardinals on the scoreboard with four minutes left in the first quarter. After Turner’s 48-yard field goal, the Cardinals trailed the Cavaliers 7-3.

Five minutes into the second quarter junior Malik Cunningham broke loose for a 19-yard touchdown run to give U of L their only touchdown of the quarter. Louisville trailed Virginia 14-10 headed into half time.

Cunningham came through again the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run at the goal line. U of L trailed the Cavaliers 21-17 headed into the fourth quarter.

Senior Brian Delaney booted a 28-yard field goal to bring the Cardinals within a touchdown going into the final ten minutes of the game. Around the 8-minute mark, Cunningham broke through for a potential rushing touchdown but fumbled the goal into the Cavaliers’ 40-yard line. Virginia scored another touchdown to seal the win 31-17.

Cunningham was 13 for 21 passing the ball with 161 yards and an interception. He also carried the ball 20 times for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Dez Fitzpatrick had five receptions for 71 yards.

U of L will face Syracuse Nov. 20 at Cardinal Stadium.

Photo Courtesy of ACC Media

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U of L football heads to Virginia for ACC showdown Saturday, Nov 14 2020 

ACC and ACC Football and Cardinal Stadium and COVID-19 and Football and Javian Hawkins and malik cunningham and sports and U of L football and Virginia football John McCarthy 2:25 pm

By John McCarthy–

The University of Louisville Cardinals football team is set to face off against Virginia this Saturday, Nov. 14.

Louisville (2-5) and Virginia (2-4) were originally slated to play on Nov. 7, but the game was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak amongst the U of L defense.

The last time U of L faced off against the Cavaliers was in 2019. Louisville took home the victory in that matchup at Cardinal Stadium. The two teams have faced off a total of eight times throughout their time in the ACC. U of L leads the all-time series 5-3.

U of L will look to bounce back from their home loss to Virginia Tech two weeks ago. The Cavaliers plan to continue their winning streak against the Cardinals after an upset victory over No. 15 North Carolina.

The Cardinals turn to sophomore Javian Hawkins and Junior Malik Cunningham for production. Hawkins leads Louisville in rushing yards and yards per carry. Cunningham leads the Cardinals in passing yards.

This ACC matchup will take place on Nov. 14 at 3:30 p.m.

File Photo // The Louisville Cardinal

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U of L football loses to Virginia Tech 42-35 Monday, Nov 2 2020 

ACC and ACC Network and COVID-19 and Dez Fitzpatrick and Football and Isaiah Hayes and Ja'Darien Boykin and Javian Hawkins and Malik Clark and malik cunningham and Marshon Ford and Maurice Barkley and Micah Bland and Monty Montgomery and Ryan Harwell and sports and Tabarius Peterson and Tutu Atwell and U of L football and virginia and Virginia Tech and Yaya Diaby John McCarthy 1:00 pm

By John McCarthy–

The University of Louisville football team lost at home on Oct. 31 to ACC competitor Virginia Tech 42-35. This moves the Cardinals’ record to 2-5 on the season and puts them in 13th place in the ACC.

The news came out just before the game that a handful of Louisville’s defensive players would be unavailable for the game. Defensive linemen Micah Bland, Ja’Darien Boykin, Malik Clark, Yaya Diaby and Tabarius Peterson were all unavailable. Punter Ryan Harwell, safety Isaiah Hayes and linebacker Monty Montgomery were also unavailable. All of the players were showing symptoms of COVID-19.

The Cardinals dug themselves a hole early on going down 21-0 moving into the second quarter. It was no secret early on that the second string Cardinal defense was struggling.

Sophomore Marshon Ford put Louisville on the board first by completing a 14-yard pass from junior Malik Cunningham for a touchdown. Then, just before halftime, sophomore Javian Hawkins broke loose for a 90-yard touchdown run. U of L trailed the Hokies 21-14 going in the half.

After a scoreless third quarter, Senior Dez Fitzpatrick got the Cards back on track with an 82-yard touchdown pass from Cunningham. With six minutes left in the final quarter, senior Maurice Barkley ran it in for a 13-yard touchdown. Barkley’s touchdown tightened the score to 34-28. Six points were as close as the Cardinals would get to Hokies. Both teams tacked on an additional touchdown in the final four minutes, but Virginia Tech took home the victory 42-35.

Cunningham threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns but had three interceptions. Hawkins carried the ball for 129 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown. Fitzpatrick had a monster game with 158 yards on five catches, one of which was a touchdown. Junior Tutu Atwell had 8 catches for 78 yards.

U of L will attempt to rebound next week when they travel to Virginia to take on the Cavaliers. That game will be Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. on ACC Network.

File Photo // The Louisville Cardinal

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Louisville handles Florida State 48-16 Monday, Oct 26 2020 

Ean Pfeifer and fsu and Javian Hawkins and malik cunningham and North Carolina and sports and Tutu Atwell and U of L football and Virginia Tech John McCarthy 5:50 pm

By John McCarthy–

The University of Louisville Cardinals blew out the Florida State Seminoles 48-16. U of L football has struggled in its last four games and rebounded well against the Seminoles. They settle down Florida State who entered their bout with Cardinals on cloud nine after upsetting No. 5 North Carolina last week.

Florida State got the game started with a touchdown only a couple of minutes into regulation. The Cardinals responded with ten minutes left in the first quarter via a nine-yard touchdown run by sophomore Javian Hawkins. Two minutes later, Hawkins turned in a highlight play in form of a 70-yard touchdown run, putting the Cardinals up 14-7. The Cardinals were able to sneak in another touchdown with two minutes left in the first quarter when junior Malik Cunningham completed a pass to senior Ean Pfeifer for a 13-yard touchdown.

At the 12:47 mark in the second quarter, Cunningham completed a bomb to sophomore Tutu Atwell for the 58-yard touchdown pass. A couple of minutes before halftime junior James Turner chipped a 28-yard field goal to put the Cardinals up 31-14 at the half.

Hawkins scored his third touchdown to start the Cardinals off in the third quarter. Then, with only two minutes left in the third, U of L forced a safety on the Seminoles to put the Cardinals up 38-16 going into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter was all Cardinals. Turner booted a 39-yard field goal only 45 seconds into the final quarter. Atwell grabbed his second touchdown after a two-yard run. Louisville snapped their four-game winning-streak in spectacular fashion with a 32-point blowout.

Cunningham was 16-24 on his passes, throwing for 248 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Hawkins totaled 171 yards on 16 carries. Atwell had a whopping 3 receptions for 129 yards.

U of L will faceoff with No. 19 Virginia Tech on Oct. 31.

File Photo // The Louisville Cardinal

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Louisville Football recruiting top-100 quarterback for 2022 Tuesday, Oct 13 2020 

247 sports and Collins Hill and Football and malik cunningham and Sam Horn and sports and U of L football John McCarthy 1:00 pm

By John McCarthy–

It appears that the University of Louisville football team has plans to strengthen its offense. With Malik Cunningham being a junior, the Cardinals need to plan ahead to maintain their powerful offense. Sam Horn, a top-100 quarterback, has caught the Cardinal’s eyes and is a potential Cardinal recruit for their 2022 recruiting class.

Horn is a highly-touted prospect out of Suwanee, Ga. He is a pro-style quarterback that would fit snuggly into a power-five conference school like U of L. Horn is rated a four-star recruit by CBs’s 247Sports and sits at the 94th overall in 247Sports’ top 100.

U of L offered Horn a scholarship on Oct. 8, only a month after fellow ACC competitor Duke offered Horn the same ride. Horn accoladed quite the stat line while at Collins Hill High School. He completed 65% of his passes for a staggering 2,326 total yards and 22 touchdown passes.

Louisville is not the only college looking to bring Horn aboard. Oklahoma State, Michigan State, Kentucky, Appalachian State and Georgia Tech have all also offered Horn a full-ride scholarship. Among all the power-five universities that have offered, Horn has expressed the most interest in Tennessee so far.

The Cardinals will look to continue their pursuit of Horn to fill the eventual hole at quarterback after Cunningham’s departure. Having Horn at the helm for U of L would help maintain production within the Louisville offense.

File Photo // The Louisville Cardinal

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