Cleaning out the dust and cobwebs....
Six months since last post -- how'd that happen??
Before I get into my usual ranting and raving, a personal note -- my mom, Helene Zukof, passed away Oct. 13 at the age of 78. She was a rabid Cardinal fan, of both the St. Louis and University of Louisville variety. Wherever she was, I'm sure she enjoyed her Cards' triumph in the World Series, especially in that epic Game Six.
And how insane was that game? I've been watching major league baseball as a serious fan since 1964, and I can't remember anything as exciting -- the ugly defense notwithstanding. I may have seen a game before in which the teams combined for five errors, but I don't recall one -- excluding a certain slow-pitch softball league that shall remain unnamed here. But to win that game after having twice stood one strike from elimination, the Cardinals earned my admiration.
No wonder Tony LaRussa retired -- after this World Championship, anything else would seem anticlimactic.
Mom also would have enjoyed U of L's 27-10 pasting of Syracuse last Saturday -- in no small part because Dad was a Syracuse grad. But he also earned his M.D. from Louisville, so no matter what happened, his alma mater was going to win -- but as he often said, "The right one won."
Before I get into my usual ranting and raving, a personal note -- my mom, Helene Zukof, passed away Oct. 13 at the age of 78. She was a rabid Cardinal fan, of both the St. Louis and University of Louisville variety. Wherever she was, I'm sure she enjoyed her Cards' triumph in the World Series, especially in that epic Game Six.
And how insane was that game? I've been watching major league baseball as a serious fan since 1964, and I can't remember anything as exciting -- the ugly defense notwithstanding. I may have seen a game before in which the teams combined for five errors, but I don't recall one -- excluding a certain slow-pitch softball league that shall remain unnamed here. But to win that game after having twice stood one strike from elimination, the Cardinals earned my admiration.
No wonder Tony LaRussa retired -- after this World Championship, anything else would seem anticlimactic.
* * * * * * * * *
Mom also would have enjoyed U of L's 27-10 pasting of Syracuse last Saturday -- in no small part because Dad was a Syracuse grad. But he also earned his M.D. from Louisville, so no matter what happened, his alma mater was going to win -- but as he often said, "The right one won."
Three weeks ago, I thought the season might be headed down the dumper. U of L's offense looked toothless, due mostly to poor line play. Freshman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater seemed confused, even when he wasn't running for his life, and the Cards couldn't generate enough of a running game to frighten a high-school team.
The last two games? Different story.
Against then-Big East leader Rutgers, Louisville generated 187 yards on the ground, led by Jeremy Wright's 108 -- the first 100-yard effort by a Cardinal ball carrier in 2011. They followed that with another solid rushing effort against the 'Cuse, highlighted by Victor Anderson's 61-yard run with a perfectly executed option toss from Bridgewater -- further evidence the O-line is getting the concept of playing together.
* * * * * * * * *
Speaking of Bridgewater, it appears to me U of L has itself a quarterback.
Like most passers, Bridgewater throws more accurately and makes better decisions when his protection allows him to stay upright. He also has shown great progress in reading defenses and recognizing opportunities; he audibled into the option play that gave Anderson his 61-yard score.
And just think, Planet Red -- as long as he stays healthy, he'll only get better.
posted by Alan at 9:50 PM
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