Former UK quarterback Woodson talks Louisville game, Cats offense

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By Matt Overing | Football beat writer

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The last time the University of Louisville played as a top-10 team in Commonwealth Stadium was Sept. 15, 2007.  UK, led by senior quarterback Andre’ Woodson’s four touchdown passes, defeated the No. 9 Cardinals, 40-34.

This Saturday, Louisville will enter Commonwealth Stadium as the seventh-ranked team in the country by the Associated Press.

UK’s win in 2007 was the first versus Louisville since 2002, ending a four-game winning streak for the Cardinals over the Cats.

In an exclusive interview with the Kernel, Woodson, now the wide receivers coach at Morehead State University, said that UK has a chance to end another streak this year.

“It should be a great game,” Woodson said. “I think UK is well-equipped to win this game. The main thing they have to do is make sure they take care of the football and come away with points (on offense).”

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This year, UK will look to stop a two-game losing streak against the Cardinals. Woodson said stopping a slide isn’t as important as winning against Louisville.

“It’s a big rivalry game,” Woodson said. “Any time you can beat Louisville and bring the Governor’s Cup home, that’s a great feeling right there.”

As a player, Woodson’s final game against the Cardinals was the only game versus Louisville that Woodson won in his three starts.

Woodson offered his opinion on what players can do to avoid being “too hyped.”

“I think, for those guys, they’ll have to just focus in and pay attention to the small little details,” Woodson said.

Facing a ranked opponent, according to Woodson, requires mental discipline.

“They need to understand they’re going up against a great opponent. Everyone knows how talented Louisville is. They have a great coaching staff that gets them prepared each game.”

Louisville has amassed 93 points in their first two games. Junior quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has thrown nine touchdowns this year, which leads the nation.

Woodson was impressed with what he saw in Bridgewater last season.

“He plays the part of being a big-time quarterback,” Woodson said. “I think it will be a challenge for UK’s defense to slow him down, he has a lot of weapons.”

Last season, Louisville beat UK 32-14 in Louisville. One difference this year is the two-quarterback system UK employs with sophomore quarterbacks Maxwell Smith and Jalen Whitlow, one that Woodson says could pay dividends for the Cats.

“When you have two quarterbacks, it makes it tough for a defense to scheme for both of them,” Woodson said.

The former Cats quarterback thinks fans are in for a treat this Saturday.

“It should be a great game,” Woodson said. “You have a chance to watch three quarterbacks battle it out. It should be interesting to see who ends up winning this one.”