By Russ Brown
Special to NKyTriubune
LOUISVILLE–The University of Louisville football team’s quarterback situation has come full circle.
The Cardinals (6-5) started the season with uncertainty at the position and, after 11 games, have arrived back at the same point as Saturday’s season finale rivalry game with Kentucky approaches.
Sophomore Kyle Bolin started for the third consecutive game in UofL’s 45-34 loss to Pittsburgh Saturday, but was replaced by freshman Lamar Jackson in the final minute of the first half after a Bolin pass had been picked off and returned for a touchdown.
Although Jackson almost immediately threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jamari Staples, he didn’t have much success in the second half. Jackson had started five straight games before Bolin got the nod against Syracuse and Virginia.
Sophomore Reggie Bonnafon started the opener against Auburn and has made a number of appearances in the backfield since then, both at quarterback and slot back.
But Petrino was in no mood to discuss his preference for a starting QB against UK after the Cards’ embarrassing performance at Pitt.
“I don’t think we need to talk about that right now,” Petrino said in response to a question. “We need to evaluate the game and then get on the practice field and make a decision.”
Sounds like Petrino might mimic his stance prior to the opener when he didn’t announce a starter and let the UK coaching staff play a guessing game. With Jackson at quarterback, UofL operates mostly out of a shotgun formation. By contrast, Bolin — a pocket passer who is less mobile — takes the snap under center and the Cards use a pro style attack with more running plays.
Neither Bolin or Jackson were able to get comfortable due to Pitt’s intense pass rush that resulted in seven sacks, four by Jackson. UofL now ranks dead last in the FBS in sacks, having surrendered 43.
Explaining his decision to insert Jackson, Petrino said: “We weren’t executing and we threw a pick for a touchdown when our focus should have been on the other side of the field. We felt like it was time to make a change.”
Besides taking four sacks, Jackson ran for just 19 yards on 11 carries. And Petrino was critical of his decision on a fourth-and-3 late in the game, saying Jackson was too focused on a rushing Pitt linebacker and missed an open receiver over the middle.
“We were trying to get the ball out quick on a slant to (JaQuay Savage) and the linebacker’s pressure caught his vision,” Petrino said. “That’s what you need to learn: Stand in there and set your feet and throw the ball. That’s just maturing and getting more reps and getting better at it. All quarterbacks have to do that. You have to know the blitz is coming, see it coming, keep your focus downfield, set your feet and plant and throw the ball. It’s just a mistake.”
Just as concerning as another upheaval at quarterback is the condition of Staples, who caught nine passes for 194 yards, sixth-most in Louisville history. The UAB transfer, who now leads the Cards’ receivers with 599 yards, suffered what UofL described as an upper extremitiy injury in the second half and his status is uncertain for Kentucky.
Staples missed the first month of the season with a sprained knee.