LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville football team had an extra week to think about its first loss of the season, and the Cardinals sound eager to get back on the field in front of their home fans.
UofL (6-1, 3-1 ACC) is coming off a bye week, but still rose three spots in the latest AP Top 25 poll to No. 18. Head coach Jeff Brohm said a week off allowed the team to focus on improving in multiple areas, which he said must happen if his team wants to knock off No. 20 Duke on Saturday.
"Bye weeks aren't a whole lot of fun when it happens after a loss," Brohm said during his Monday news conference. "But that's life, and we have to live and learn and try to find ways to improve. There are plenty of things we need to do to get better. Offensively, we need to be more efficient in what we're doing. And winning the turnover battle is vital to success."
The Cards turned the ball over three times two weeks ago in a 38-21 loss to Pittsburgh.
Adding injury to insult, starting offensive lineman Renato Brown injured his knee when he slipped and fell during pregame warmups on a rain-soaked field. Brohm said he had surgery last week and will miss the rest of the season.
Running back Jawhar Jordan's status is up in the air as he continues to work through a hamstring injury. Louisville's leading rusher was limited to just two carries for eight yards against Pitt.
Brohm said Jordan did not practice last week, but was able to do rehab work. He's listed as questionable, as is cornerback Jarvis Brownlee with a foot injury.
Duke (5-2, 2-1) comes into town with injury questions of their own following a 38-20 loss to No. 4 Florida State. Veteran quarterback Riley Leonard left the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury and is considered day-to-day.
Brohm had high praise for Duke, with or without its starting QB.
"They pride themselves on running the football and letting their quarterback be efficient," he said. "No question they're a different team with [Leonard]. He's got a ton of experience and can throw the ball, but he can run the ball too. Without question, his experience factor back there and his ability to execute the offense provides a high level of expertise."
Leonard is in his second full season leading the Blue Devils. He has completed 86 of 142 passes for 981 yards, and has rushed for 339 yards and four touchdowns.
Freshman Henry Belin IV would likely get the nod if Leonard can't go. He was 1-for-6 for seven yards taking over last week.
Duke's calling card? The defense. The Blue Devils are fifth in the nation in scoring defense (13.86 points per game) and second in red zone defense.
Louisville wide receiver Jamari Thrash said the team did a lot of self-evaluation and film study in the past week.
"They're disciplined and they've got a veteran defense," Thrash said. "They do a lot of different things and disguise their defense pretty well. They've got some good corners that can tackle and some safeties coming downhill. It'll be one of the best defenses we see this season."
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday. You can watch the game on ESPN.
RELATED VIDEO