Gaines offers new goal for U of L's defense

Louisville cornerback Charles Gaines on Wednesday revealed a Remember the Titans-type goal for his team's defense, which ranks among the best in the nation: Not allowing opponents past the 50-yard line.

"That's a new goal," Gaines said. "As long as we don't let them across the 50, I feel like, as a unit, that could be put on our board for our new goal, especially at home.

"Can't cross the bird."

That's how memes and posters and T-shirts are made, and Gaines, who last year claimed that he "runs with the animals," delivered once again.

The verbose junior hasn't had the same type of season he had last year, when he grabbed five interceptions and scored three touchdowns on defense and special teams. He has one interception this season and 10 tackles. He's credited with seven passes defended and six pass breakups, plus one forced fumble.

But a major reason for the downturn in numbers is that teams have avoided his side of the field in several games. He was more active against Clemson, but Gaines said he's fine either way.

The defense is playing well, he said, and opposing offenses throwing away from Gaines' side means his teammates have the chance to make plays. Safety Gerod Holliman leads the nation with seven interceptions and the Cardinals as a team lead the country with 14.

He had no clue Louisville's defense was posting the stats that it has been.

"It just hit us a couple days ago that we have the No. 1 defense," Gaines said. "We were just going out there and playing and doing what (defensive coordinator Todd Grantham) called."