Cards notes: U of L preps for another good RB

It seemed relatively simple in reviewing the University of Louisville's game film against Miami.

U of L kept star Miami running back Duke Johnson to 90 rushing yards and only two 20-plus-yard runs.

How? The Cards eliminated outside running lanes, tackled as a group and shed blocks.

Those three things will come up any time a defensive coach talks about stopping the run. They are clichéd. They are ordinary. They are vital to slowing an opponent's rushing attack.

On Saturday, Louisville must do the same things against Virginia and standout tailback Kevin Parks, U of L defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said Wednesday.

"It's a team thing," Grantham said. "We have to understand … who has what relative to the blocking scheme."

Parks finished second in the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing last year, averaging 4.5 yards a carry and piling up 1,031 yards.

Through two 2014 games, Parks has struggled, gaining 107 yards on the ground from 30 carries. He's getting 3.5 yards a rush.

But his history and talent won't be lost on the Cardinals, U of L coaches and players have said this week.

"He's done a really nice job for them," Petrino said. "He's a physical guy. He's low to the ground. He has a big offensive front to run behind."

Grantham and middle linebacker James Burgess both said Wednesday that Louisville's defense will draw from the 31-13 win over Miami.

Not necessarily from the playbook – every team is different – but from the confidence the Cards built up in limiting one of the best running backs in college football.

Parks isn't quite the back that Johnson is, but he is the focal point of Virginia's offense, especially as the Cavaliers work through an awkward two-quarterback system.

"You have to be physical at the point of attack and get off blocks," Burgess said. "When you get off blocks, you make plays."