BIG EAST PREVIEW: LOUISVILLE VS. UTAH

BY CHRISTOPHER J. MOGOLLON
BIG EAST INSIDER

8:00 * ESPN 2 * Utah 2-3 (0-2) @ Louisville 3-2 (0-1): The Cardinals bounced back last week nicely with their victory over NC State and will now face the Utes of Utah in Papa Johns Stadium. Utah has struggled all year offensively -- they were held to only one touchdown when they played Oregon State and Air Force and were even shutout by UNLV. They looked their best last week in their 34-18 win over Utah State where Darrell Mack rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Brian Johnson loves to throw the deep ball, it should be something to watch if he can make some big plays against a struggling secondary. Also, keep an eye on Anthony Allen of Louisville, only a sophomore but is second in the conference in rushing yards. This is the first time Utah will be playing a Big East team since they blew out Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl. Tailback George Stripling and receiver JaJuan Spillman will not play due to off the field issues.

Key Match up: Brian Brohm vs. Utah’s Secondary: Do not be fooled by the 2-3 record, this is the same Utah team who spanked UCLA -- 44-6 doing most of the work on the defensive side of the ball. Utah forced five turnovers in the game, including three interceptions and made Ben Olson look just terrible. The Bruins could only convert 5-of-16 third downs in the game. Brian Brohm has been able to dominate each defense he has played -- each week leading the conference in passing yards and touchdowns. Utah has been strong defending the pass all year but they haven't faced a combo like Harry Douglas and Mario Urrutia yet. Douglas, who did not play last week, has just been awesome leading the conference in receiving yards. Urrutia was booed last time he played at home, he might make a big statement this week, I don't think Utah has the depth or size to cover the Louisville receivers -- that’s why Brohm should have another big game.