Confidence is important, however, what has happened to letting one’s performance speak for itself in the arena of play. It is one thing for a player to assure a win over opposition but when a head coach speaks out, the expectation becomes either win or be in dangerously hot water.
Bobby Petrino has placed himself in a tough spot after what he said at a luncheon for the University of Louisville football program on Friday. Following up statements made by his sophomore receiver – Dez Fitzpatrick – at Cardinals’ media day, Petrino assured the fan base and alumni that Louisville will defeat the University of Alabama on Saturday, Sept. 1.
According to a tweet from Jason Anderson, program director for ESPN in Louisville, the coach in his second stint with the Cardinals said “I believe we’re gonna go beat them. And we will go beat ‘em.”
Bobby Petrino at UofL Luncheon ending his remarks on the Alabama game:
“I believe we’re gonna go beat em. And we will go beat em”
— Jason Anderson (@J680Anderson) August 17, 2018
Petrino brings a high-powered offense to Orlando, Fla., to face the Crimson Tide – including a wide receiver unit headlined by Fitzpatrick and Jaylen Smith. While Fitzpatrick led the team in touchdown receptions (nine), Smith carried the group in receptions (60) and yards (980).
The difference for this year’s bunch is seeing Lamar Jackson in the National Football League with the Baltimore Ravens. After two straight years of recording 3,000-yard passing and 1,000-yard rushing campaigns, the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner now looks to become a solid pro.
His replacement, Jawon Pass, enters his first season as a starter.
The 6-foot-4, 231-pound native Georgian was the No. 9 dual-threat quarterback via multiple recruiting networks upon his arrival to Louisville in 2016. He was offered by many schools, especially Alabama, but chose to come behind Jackson lead the Cardinals.
Pass was credited with two touchdowns and 238 passing yards in six games.
Despite turning in an average of 35.13 points/ game in four seasons under Petrino, Louisville will face a defense in Alabama that have a few first round draft picks. Its receivers may have more experience than the Tide’s secondary, but will Pass even have time to connect with them?
Having the likes of Raekwon Davis, Isaiah Buggs, Anfernee Jennings and Christian Miller among others flying in your face is not pleasant. For an offensive line that struggled often in protecting Jackson, keeping Pass’ jersey and facemask clean will be a daunting task.
Petrino has been in the Southeastern Conference once before.
His stint with Auburn at offensive coordinator (2002) and at Arkansas (2008-11) as head coach taught him a lot. He guided the Razorbacks’ offense to posting 36-plus points a matchup from 2009 to 2011 and produced two 3,000-yard signal callers in Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson.
His confidence is highly infused within the program, but will it be enough to topple a six-time national champion in Nick Saban? The opening weekend for college football will be fun.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
