UNC Scouting Report: The Louisville Cardinals

The Louisville Cardinals invade Chapel Hill on Saturday for a big conference game for both teams

Saturday will be a huge day on campus for the University of North Carolina with a lot going on throughout the day.

With the Tar Heels hosting No. 17 Louisville, the program announced that Michael Jordan would serve as an honorary captain. The Tar Heels 2017 National Championship Basketball team will also be honored with a special ceremony during halftime. And finally, high profile recruits will be on campus for the weekend.

Talk about big.

But the focus of this article will be on the Cardinals and what to expect when the two teams kickoff on Saturday afternoon.

Louisville enters the game fresh off a win over Purdue in Indianapolis where the Cardinals were challenged by a Boilermakers team that went 3-9 last year.

While the Cardinals struggled early on, they picked it up both offensively and defensively led by defending Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.

The biggest name playing in this game is Jackson as UNC will have to find a way to contain the dual threat quarterback.

Saturday will be the first time in school history the Tar Heels will host a defending Heisman Trophy winner on campus.

Here’s what the Cardinals bring into the game.

On offense….

It all starts with the Heisman trophy winner in Jackson. As he goes, so does Louisville’s offense and that showed in the second half of the Week 1 win over Purdue.

Jackson helped will the Cardinals to a victory by rushing late in the fourth quarter and picking up key first downs.

Louisville was one of the more explosive offenses last season, averaging 42.5 points per game which was sixth nationally. In Week 1, they put up 35 points.

This week they go up against a better defense in UNC but the Tar Heels had their struggles in Week 1 against Cal. Jackson is a much better quarterback than Bowers and a bigger threat with both his arm and his legs.

They will put Jackson in plenty of read option situations, allowing him to decide what to do with the ball. Jackson rushed 21 times in the Week 1 win and likely will get to 15-plus in this game.

When Jackson does pass, keep an eye on receiver Jaylen Smith. He returns as the most experienced receiver to play and will be Jackson’s primary target.

If there is one thing the Cardinals struggle at, it’s with their offensive line.

The Cardinals offensive line looked shaky against Purdue a week ago. This week they go up against a tough UNC front that could cause some disruption.

But even if you do get into the backfield, Jackson is a tough player to bring down so you better make sure you contain and wrap him up.

On defense…

While Jackson and the offense have all of the flash, its the defense that might be the big game-changer in this one.

Louisville returns nine players on a defense that was really good last season.

The Cardinals ranked in the top 35 in total yards allowed, passing yards allowed and rushing yards allowed. They didn’t give up much and made it difficult for opponents all season long.

Their stellar defensive play starts up front. The front seven is as good as any team in the ACC and maybe all of college football.

Louisville’s front seven has the ability to get to the quarterback and make life rough. For the Tar Heels, that could be the biggest difference in this game especially with the uncertainty at quarterback.

A bright spot for the Tar Heels a week ago was running back Michael Carter. He and Jordon Brown turned in solid games both on the ground and in the air, but this week will face a tough Louisville front seven.

In 2016 the Cardinals allowed just 115.2 yards rushing per game last season which was sixth-best in the nation.

Louisville’s secondary is pretty good as well.

The Cardinals allowed 207.1 yard through the air per game last season and are experienced back there.

If UNC decides to try and throw it on Louisville early, the Cardinals will be ready and could find themselves with some turnover opportunities.

Matchup to watch…

Louisville’s front seven vs. UNC’s offensive line will be key to this game.

The Cardinals are very good up front as we previously noted led by Trevon Young, who missed the 2016 season.

Young recorded an interception and had a nice game on the edge against Purdue. He’s joined by De’Asian Richardson and Drew Bailey on the line as the trio hopes to make life hell for whoever starts at quarterback for UNC.

On the other side, UNC’s line struggled in the loss to Cal on Saturday. Penalties, poor protection and poor blocking doomed the line.

It’s an inexperienced line and can be vulnerable at all times.

If UNC wants to win this game, they have to find a way to slow down Young and the rest of the front seven. Louisville will likely try and bring a lot of pressure early and often.

Can UNC protect their quarterback and keep drives alive?

A difference maker…

Jaire Alexander is the most talented player in the Cardinals’ secondary but he may have to miss Saturday’s game.

Alexander attempted to return a missed field goal when he suffered the leg injury and then missed the entire second half.

The All-American cornerback is a big difference maker for the Cardinals and is currently considered day-to-day.  If Alexander can’t go, another defensive back to keep an eye on is Trumaine Washington.

Against Purdue Washington gave up a few big plays but overall had a solid game. He’s struggled in his last few games dating back to last season but could play a big role in Saturday’s game, especially if Alexander can’t go.

The Tar Heels really don’t present a threat at the receiving core and a player like Washington can make life difficult for any receiver he covers.

Next: Michael Jordan to serve as honorary captain

He’s also very good on the blitz and can get to the quarterback when needed from the outside.

UNC could struggle against this Louisville secondary if their receivers can’t get separation, something they couldn’t do against Cal.