Malik Cunningham, Louisville Football News: Draft Scout Player News

10/16/20 - QB Malik Cunningham, rSr/2023, Louisville

Louisville's offense was one of the best in the ACC last year. It averaged 33.1 points per game and was led by a wealth of talent. With the return of quarterback Malik Cunningham, running backs Hassan Hall and Javian Hawkins and a plethora of receivers led by Tutu Atwell and Dez Fitzpatrick, Louisville was thought to be one of the best offenses in the conference again. Many picked the Cardinals as a sleeper to make the ACC Championship game. But one month into the football season, Louisville (1-3, 0-3 ACC) has been inconsistent on both sides of the ball and is one of three ACC teams without a conference win. While it was understood it would take time for the defense to improve, the offense was supposed to be the strength again - carrying it to wins when the defense struggled. But that hasn't been the case, and now Louisville is on a three-game losing streak.

What's changed? The answer is fairly simple. The offense hasn't been the same efficient group it was last year. It's not because of a lack of talent or some large, schematic change, either. Louisville's main culprit is a turnover uptick and the inability to hit on the big plays it was known for last year. Satterfield didn't put the blame on one person, although he said Cunningham has missed a few throws he made last season. "Now, Malik's overthrown a few of them, but it seems like there's been something different, whether it be Malik not throwing the proper ball or the receiver not running the proper route or the offensive line or tight ends not protecting," Satterfield said. "So, in the course of the season, it's been a little bit of everybody, I think, that have attributed to some of those shots not being there." Louisville averaged 10.1 yards per passing attempt last year. This season, it is at 7.95. A dip, but something that is fixable. - Courier Journal

rSr/2023