Stewart Mandel's post-Petrino thoughts

[HarveyGlass]

From SI.com...http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_...2.html?eref=T1

Originally Posted by Stewart Mandel

• When Bobby Petrino abruptly departed Louisville for the Atlanta Falcons after last January’s Orange Bowl, AD Tom Jurich took less than a day to bring in his replacement, Tulsa coach Steve Kragthorpe, a new-age offensive thinker very much in the same mold as Petrino with whom Jurich had first crossed paths with nearly two decades earlier at Northern Arizona. When Kragthorpe, a former NFL quarterbacks coach, promptly convinced Heisman candidate Brian Brohm to return for his senior season, it appeared the Cardinals’ fast-rising program had averted a potential crisis.

Apparently not.

The Kragthorpe era is officially off to a nightmare start following Saturday’s stunning 38-35 loss to previously hapless Syracuse. Offensive wizardry – even with a senior quarterback the caliber of Brohm – is only half the battle. Simply put, the Cardinals’ defense is atrocious, which is puzzling considering holdover coordinator Mike Cassity was largely successful under Petrino. The Orange came in with the nation’s 97th-ranked pass offense, but QB Andrew Robinson might has well have been Matt Leinart the way he torched Louisville’s secondary, continually burning them deep en route to a 428-yard, four-touchdown day.

The win couldn’t be any bigger for embattled Syracuse coach Greg Robinson, whose three-year record to date was 5-21 and whose team had not accomplished anything remotely close to Saturday’s victory. Robinson is clearly a star in the making. As for Louisville, the one-time national title aspirant will have its hands full just trying to finish higher than fifth in the offensively loaded Big East. Sadly, Brohm, who turned down a lot of money for one last shot at hometown glory, likely saw his Heisman hopes go up in smoke Saturday (two interceptions) despite throwing for a ridiculous 555 yards.

[villeFan]

I feel terrible for BB. Is there any way he can bolt now? There is only one way this season could be worse: Brohm gets hurt.

[nmcardsfan]

I say let brohm play, but limited minutes. He still needs to stay on his game to be able to get a spot in the NFL. Let Cantwell play the bulk of the minutes. Its not worth potentially hurting brohm if were just going to lose games.

[CardinalJunky]

Brohm didn't come back to play half the time. I do believe Cantwell should be worked into at least one series a half. Sad to say, but it's time to start thinking about life without Brohm and Harry Douglas. I can't believe we have some of these freshman that have had their redshirt chance burned and then didn't get to play. Freddy

[nmcardsfan]

I agree, but he didnt come back to play powder puff football either. He came back b/c Steve L Cooperthorpe convinced him we were a legit NC contender.

IMO its definitely not worth risking him having a Michael Bush type injury, and putting his NFL stock in jeopardy.

[AACardFan]

Originally Posted by CardinalJunky

Sad to say, but it's time to start thinking about life without Brohm and Harry Douglas.

I think life without Douglas began with 2 minutes left in the Syracuse game. At best he suffered a sprained knee that will keep him out at least a month. At worst, torn ligaments and out for the year.

[wkuCardinal]

Krag says he should play this week.