Connecticut-Louisville Has Big East Ramifications

When the Connecticut Huskies stroll into Louisville's Papa John's Cardinal Stadium this Friday night, a cold reception will await them.  But it won't just be the normal fan-to-visitor treatment after last season's game.

Larry Taylor was the center of a fair-catch controversy last season in Louisville's game at Connecticut.  The Connecticut punt returner called for a fair catch early in the third quarter with the Huskies down 7-0 to the visiting Cardinals, then caught the punt and shocked everyone but coach Randy Edsall and Big East officials.

Taylor caught, and Taylor ran.  74 yards he ran to a game-tying, changing and ultimately, winning touchdown. (view here)

After the game, Edsall awarded Taylor with the game ball.  This followed Taylor's admittance that his fair-catch antics were preconceived and approved by game officials.

The Big East reviewed the call following the game, but like most Big East officiating blunders, nothing came of it except for an oh-so-sincere apology to all affected.

Taylor's trick wasn't the only third quarter officiating blunder on a punt.  The next fault came off the toe of the UConn punter.  The ball appeared to bounce off of a Louisville player before being recovered by Connecticut.

Officials reviewed the play and determined the ball had touched Tyvon Branch of the Huskies before making contact with any of the Cardinals.  Makeup call?  Why not?

But that was last year, and football teams don't like to look at the past, hold grudges, or seek revenge.  Do they?

Donald Brown won't be thinking about putting it on the ground for Louisville defensive lineman Earl Heyman to return 34 yards for a touchdown.  Instead, Brown is worried only about winning, and being able to walk the morning after the game.

Brown is averaging a tremendous 28.3 carries a game and averages 179 yards, an NCAA best.  Louisville will look to be the first team to stop Brown, and the odds are good that UConn's rushing production will be down.

Ron English has his Louisville defense firing on all cylinders.  Last week, a previously productive Kansas State rushed for only 30 yards against the Cardinals.

Louisville's offense was productive against Kansas State, totaling over 500 yards in a 38-29 victory.  Connecticut edged Baylor last Friday 31-28 to stay undefeated.

A win against the Cardinals would no doubt place the Huskies back in the top 25, which they were able to find during last season's run to being Big East co-champions.

Tied for first was okay last season, but Edsall's Huskies are ready to take P1 in a wide open Big East race.  A win for Louisville would be somewhere in between a statement and a signature, and a win for UConn means the national attention of 5-0.

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