Notre Dame Football: Interview with a Louisville writer

We bounced some questions off a Louisville expert ahead of the Notre Dame football game with the Cardinals.

When it comes to Notre Dame football, we tend to read what makes us feel good about our team from writers and sites that cover the Irish.

Every once in a while, it’s good to diversify your takes. That’s why we sought out a Louisville writer to get an opponent’s view of what will go down Monday night.

We bounced five questions about Louisville and the upcoming game off Ethan Sprowles, writer for Big Red Louie and Vice President of the Louisville student section called “The Vill’ens.” Here’s how that went down:

Slap the Sign: What is the general vibe around the Louisville program as far as the hiring and first season of Scott Satterfield goes?

Ethan Sprowles: I would say the general vibe right now is cautious optimism. Satterfield and the new staff have definitely been a breath of fresh air. Their family atmosphere, accessibility, charisma, and swag is all refreshing to see for fans, students, and the athletes. But last season was really tough and very unexpected for most fans. So naturally, many are still wary around Louisville. But when it comes to the players, it’s very evident that they are happy with the change and excited to get this new era started.

Slap the Sign: The Irish are considerable favorites. Is there any way Louisville keeps it close?

Ethan: It’s tough to see Louisville keeping it super close… but you never know what can happen on a season opener in prime time with the home team as the underdog. If Louisville is going to keep it close, they have to pressure the quarterback on defense and utilize their skill position players on offense. So they have to be able to establish the run, which is what Satterfield’s offense is predicated on. But unfortunately for Louisville, they haven’t been able to establish a run game (non-QB) in several years.

Slap the Sign: What under-the-radar Louisville player should Notre Dame fans be concerned about as someone who could do some damage and make things a little dicey for the Irish?

Ethan: Gotta be Tutu Atwell. I think he’s Louisville’s secret weapon heading into this season. Satterfield has already likened him to TY Hilton (who Satterfield coached in college). Tutu is a super talented, fast player.

Slap the Sign: What Notre Dame player concerns you the most in terms of stopping him heading into the matchup?

Ethan: I think the obvious answer is Ian Book, who seems to be a Heisman Trophy candidate in preseason. Scott Satterfield has praised Book’s ability to lead the offense and make things happen and with some of the question marks Louisville has on defense, he could easily be able to stand in the pocket and make throws all over the field without much trouble. 

Slap the Sign: Give us an honest prediction of the score and how you’ll think it will get here.

Ethan: As much as I hate to admit it, Louisville doesn’t have much chance here. However, competing hard and showing signs of life and intensity are things I’ll be watching for. I think Scott Satterfield’s playcalling and unique offensive plays mixed with the adrenaline will keep Louisville competitive for at least a quarter and a half, but Notre Dame will be too much for the Cards this season. Notre Dame 42, Louisville 24