WVU’s Mullen expecting physical game at Louisville

By Mickey Furfari

MORGANTOWN — West Virginia football notebook:

WVU offensive coordinator Jeff Mullen is anticipating a tough, physical game from Louisville Saturday at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

He call its defense a mix between what Auburn played against the Mountaineers with all its blitzing and what the rest of the Big East has decided to do — that is, throw up an eight-man front with sound, solid defense.

“They have good players, older guys,” Mullen said. “Three of the front four guys are seniors. A couple of their linebackers are older kids. So it’s going to be a big test.”

He thinks the defense against the run is hefty and strong. “They do a nice job mixing in run blitz at the appropriate time,” Mullen noted. “They’re just a real old, well coached football team, like everybody in the Big East.”

As for center Mike Dent’s absence, he said sophomore Eric Jobe is doing a nice job but that you can’t replace a Mike Dent. “(Jobe) is a really good player and will continue to do a good job, but you’re talking about a kid (Dent) who is a possible NFL player. We definitely miss Michael Dent.”

His status is week-to-week because of what may be a serious neck problem. He helped Jobe with tips in the overtime loss to Cincinnati Nov. 8.

A capacity crowd of about 40,000 is expected for Saturday’s 12:02 p.m. kickoff in Louisville.

ESPN will televise the action with Dave Pasch doing the play-by-play and Andre Ware serving as analyst.

This is the Cardinals’ final home game of the season. With a 5-5 overall record and 1-4 in the conference, they need another victory to become bowl-eligible.

West Virginia (6-3, 3-1) will be trying to start a new winning streak. It had won five in a row before bowing to Cincinnati.

Linebacker Mortty Ivy said Louisville has a lot of different sets on offense and puts the ball into the hands of key players in different situations.

“We just have to find out who their key players are and stop them for minimum gains,” he reasoned. “If they make a play, then they make a play. We just have to bounce back from it.

“We just have to play our game and execute. That’s all it is.”

Ivy noted Louisville is well balanced on offense, mixing in the run with the pass. Quarterback Hunter Cantwell has a strong arm and the line protects well for him.

“They might come all passing or they might come with all running,” he said. “You just have to go out, execute and make plays. You just have to get Cantwell out of rhythm. If you don’t, he can really hurt you.”

Tale of the Tape:

West Virginia is averaging 25 points and 350.2 yards per game, Louisville 26.1 points and 372.8 yards per game.

The breakdown: The Mountaineers 214.9 rushing and 135.3 yards passing, the Cardinals 172.8 rushing and 200 passing.

Defensively, WVU is giving up 16 points and 303.3 yards per game U of L 26 points and 325.7 yards per game.

Junior offensive guard Greg Isdaner admittedly is impressed with the way Louisville defenders come off the ball. It reminds him a little bit of some teams that have had success against the run like South Florida and Pitt in 2007.

“The Cardinals have good personnel, some very good players,” he said. “They’re up there with the guys from Auburn. Maybe not as talented, but more productive.

“They play different schemes up front. Nothing major that we haven’t seen before, but just a little bit different for Louisville. I remember them more as read-and-react, and now they are more of a penetrating defense.

“It’s definitely something we’ve seen before. So we should be well prepared for it.”