CARDINALS

U of L's Grantham nominee for assistant award

Jeff Greer
@jeffgreer_cj
Assistant coach Todd Grantham works with his players in practice. August 7, 2014

University of Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham took over a defense that ranked among the best in the nation last season and maintained the Cardinals' run of success.

He was recognized for that success on Wednesday.

Grantham is one of 40 nominees for the Broyles Award, which is given to the nation's top assistant coach. Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin also made the list, as did Miami defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio.

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U of L's defense ranks in the top 15 in four of the five major defensive statistical categories. Louisville ranks third in rushing defense, seventh in total defense and 13th in takeaways. The Cards (8-3) rank first of second in the Atlantic Coast Conference in those three categories and in scoring defense.

The individual statistics have been impressive, too. Safety Gerod Holliman is one interception away from tying the NCAA record for picks in a season. Sheldon Rankins and Lorenzo Mauldin both rank in the top 50 in sacks and tackles for loss, respectively.

A Thanksgiving meal

With preparations for the Kentucky game at full throttle, U of L plans to have a team Thanksgiving meal in Louisville, U of L coach Bobby Petrino said Monday. The Cards will practice as part of their usual game-week schedule, but the staff wants to celebrate the holiday with the players and then let them enjoy some football games and step away from game prep.

A Red Out

U of L is asking fans to wear red and bring toy donations to Saturday's 12 p,.m. game agaisnt Kentucky at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. The school announced its hopes for a "Red Out" on Wednesday.