On Tuesday night the 4th and final open practice took place. You can really tell that the fans have taken their excitement to the next level and the anticipation for football to begin has never been higher. The players looked to be relaxed and very business-like as they went through their stations and you can tell these guys are ready for the season to begin also.
The QB’s didn’t seem like the buzz of their battle affected them and were throwing some very crisp passes as they went through their reps. The receivers and running backs also seemed very focused in their drills over the past couple of days. There was an extra level of intensity in the O-Line and D-Line drills as they know football is a battle of inches that starts in the trenches. The Defensive backs were also flying around the field in their reps and this group is hungry and ready.
The next chapter of the UofL football program and the Bobby Petrino era has begun. Although expectations seem to be tempered the Cardinals were picked to finish 3rd in the Atlantic Division at ACC media days and were ranked #32 in the first USA Today Coaches Poll, receiving 27 votes.
Petrino, led the Cardinals to a 41-9 record from 2003-06. He inherited a team last year that went 9-4. There is a lot of talent remaining on this team and there are a core group of guys who know what it takes to be winners. Yes they do have some questions that need to be answered in regards to the offensive line and at the depth of some positions but this is a team that could have a great run this year.
With the final open practice in the books it will be time to close the gates off to the media and the public. It is now time for the real work to begin. We are a little over 3 weeks from the kickoff of the season and Coach Petrino and his staff will start fine tuning their offense and defense in preparation for the first opponent. I know I enjoyed the chance to see the team and I can’t wait for that first Card March and game. Below is some of the photos I took of open practice #2. Enjoy! Hope to see you all in CARDLANTA…
