Louisville tells Rutgers “Don’t tread on us” in 56-5 rout

By Bill Lynch  |   Monday, November 14, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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The last two teams that met on the Cardinals logo at midfield before their respective games were blown out by Louisville (7-2, 3-2) 59-7 and 70-7. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights decided they would motivate themselves by rallying and jumping on the angry Cardinal head as well, but unfortunately for the Scarlet Knights (6-4, 3-3) the team which was motivated was the 23rd ranked Louisville Cardinals. They scored five touchdowns in the second half while shutting out Rutgers, leaving a final score of 56-5 up on the board.

The Scarlet Knights' defense and special teams actually appeared to be keeping Rutgers in the game during the first half. They had allowed only two touchdowns in the first 29 minutes of the game, which would have been the lowest total allowed all season by an opposing defense facing the Cardinals. The defense also forced Louisville to punt from deep in their own territory and gave the offense the ball in good field position on multiple occasions. The Knights' offense, though, could not get anything going. Starting quarterback Mike Teel threw for only 91 yards, completing 50% of his passes and throwing two interceptions to his zero touchdowns. The backs only combined for 105 rushing yards, and besides a spectacular leap over a defender from Brian Leonard, never really made any plays.

The game was almost cemented by half time, as Teel threw an interception with less than a minute to go in the second quarter. It was returned inside the Rutgers' 5 yard line and on the next play Louisville back Kolby Smith ran in for his second score of the game. Smith was starting in the absence of injured star running back Michael Bush, but the rushing attack didn't seem to miss a step with over 160 yards on the ground. Cardinals' quarterback Brian Brohm also had a fantastic day, throwing for 315 yards and three touchdowns to his zero interceptions.

There was some hope left alive for Rutgers Scarlet Knights fans when the special teams unit blocked a punt in the endzone for a safety, cutting the Cardinals' lead down to 14-5. After that play whatever aspirations of a comeback still existed were quickly stomped on by Louisville. They scored at will in the second half, and showed no signs of slowing down after piling up a massive lead. Rutgers become bowl eligible a few weeks ago and celebrated by storming the field and tearing down the goalposts, but perhaps their celebration was slightly premature. It was clear on Saturday that they still have a long way to go before they become a respected and feared football team. Their offense was ineffective and besides a play here and there, their defense and special teams were shaky at best. The Cardinals, however, let everyone know once again just how potent their offense can be. For any teams preparing to play the Cardinals in the future, it would be wise not to tread on their team logo.
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