Kenny Payne says Louisville was too relaxed on defense
In his first season coaching his alma mater, Kenny Payne has overseen one of the worst years in the program’s history. Still, on Wednesday night, Louisville nearly upset Virginia, one of the best teams in the country.
After the game, Kenny Payne explained that the Cardinals were able to build up a lead because of their defensive intensity. However, they became too relaxed and it cost them their upset bid.
“I thought the first half we showed it [defensive desparation], and with maybe six or seven minutes to go in the half, I said, ‘Do you understand when you’re locked in how good you are? Your length will cause people problems. If you stay locked in and you stay disciplined, you can be a great defensive team. They’ll struggle with your length,'” Payne said.
“But, then something happened. They relaxed. And, when they relaxed it went from up whatever we were up, nine or 10, to down two or three. So, we come in just by relaxing. That’s how fragile winning and losing is.”
With the loss, Louisville dropped to 3-23 on the season and just 1-14 in ACC play. That’s last place in the ACC standings. Virginia, meanwhile, earned its 20th win and is first in the conference.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Eddie George
Emerges as NFL HC candidate
- 2New
Miami tampering
Wisconsin accuses Canes, threatens action
- 3
Dick Vitale accident
Return to ESPN mic delayed
- 4Hot
NFL, CFP scheduling
Roger Goodell commits to collaborate
- 5
Chip Kelly shot at Oregon
Ohio State OC rips Ducks
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Next up for Kenny Payne and the Cardinals are the Clemson Tigers.
Kenny Payne had a positive message after the loss
Even in a loss, the Virginia game was a huge improvement for the Louisville Cardinals. Because of this, Kenny Payne had a positive message for his team after the loss.
“Learn and then let your lessons that you learn from it translate to a win, no matter who you’re playing,” Payne said.
“I just in the locker room just now told the guys, ‘Look, you work hard. I push you hard. And I keep using the words win or learn to you. I’m just hoping that you’re learning how fragile winning is, and I want you to learn that even in losses there are lessons, but you deserve to come out with a win. And what a great message it would send to you, this fanbase, this university, this team, this program, if you can find a way to shock the world. Find a way to shock the world.'”