After two consecutive losses, the University of Louisville football team is regrouping and preparing for a pivotal game against Virginia.
Head coach Jeff Brohm addressed the team’s recent struggles, highlighting the need for stronger communication on the field as they aim to get their season back on track.
The focus now is on learning from the defeats and making critical adjustments, particularly when executing the game plan under pressure.
Brohm spoke candidly about the importance of clear communication between coaches and players. He believes improving how information is passed during games could make a significant difference.
“It’s a combination of a lot of things, but as a defense, we do need to communicate,” Brohm said. He noted that they must be better at talking to each other, especially when it gets loud on the field.
Louisville Seeks to Bounce Back with Better Communication
One of Brohm’s main points of emphasis is how the team communicates on defense. He compared it to basketball, where constant talking is critical to a team’s performance. He noted that you have to talk when you’re playing defense in basketball. In college football’s fast-paced, high-stakes environment, missed signals or delayed reactions can be costly.
Improving communication could be the key to boosting on-field performance and impacting turnover rates, Louisville Cardinals Odds, and overall defensive efficiency, as clearer signals and quicker reactions lead to fewer mistakes and stronger execution.
Brohm also called attention to the need for quicker and more efficient decision-making. The plan needs to be well-defined and taught clearly so it can be carried out without hesitation. They need to know what they’re going to do. They need to be able to teach that plan and carry it out as efficiently as possible. For Brohm, it’s not just about execution. It’s about ensuring everyone knows their role and can step up when needed, from starters to reserves.
Offensive Adjustments
While defense has been a critical focus, Brohm has also outlined what needs to improve on the offensive side of the ball. Louisville’s ability to make big plays has been inconsistent, and Brohm pointed out the necessity of finding ways to protect the quarterback and give him more time in critical passing situations.
He noted that on offense, they have to continue to find ways to make big plays. He added that when they’re in passing situations, they have to find ways to protect better.
Critical conversions – whether third and short or fourth down—have also been a sticking point for the team. Louisville must become more consistent in these high-pressure moments to turn the tide in their favor.
The ability to plan smartly and execute these plays could very well define their upcoming games. Finding balance on both sides of the ball will be essential, especially as the competition intensifies in the ACC.
Defensive Focus: Less Complexity, More Speed
Brohm’s emphasis on communication extends to the defense, where he has called for simplifying the process to ensure that players can react faster. One of the critical adjustments he plans to implement is reducing the number of checks before the snap. There need to be fewer checks, or in Brohm’s opinion, zero checks, so when a call is made, they can run it.
The goal is to get players aligned and in position quickly, allowing them to play fast and focus on outplaying their opponents rather than being slowed down by indecision. If communication issues continue, Brohm has a contingency plan—pre-set defensive formations that players can default to if a call doesn’t get through in time. This strategy is designed to prevent missed opportunities and keep the defense on its toes, no matter how fast the opposing offense operates.
Improving Signal Systems
Good communication isn’t just about what happens before the snap—it’s also about how effectively the team adapts during the game. Brohm acknowledged that the team faced challenges with their signal system during their previous losses, especially when the stadium noise levels spiked. “We did have a couple of situations late in the game when it got loud,” he admitted.
Going forward, Louisville is working to improve how it manages these situations. One potential adjustment is switching between communication systems more quickly when crowd noise becomes a factor. Brohm stressed the need to ensure that players are prepared for loud environments and that the coaching staff is proactive in making these changes in real-time.
The goal is to avoid any breakdowns in communication that could lead to missed assignments or, worse, missed plays entirely. Brohm’s team will continue working this week to fine-tune their approach, ensuring that every player knows what to do when it matters most.
Looking Ahead to Virginia
Saturday’s game against Virginia is seen as a turning point. With a renewed focus on executing offensive and defensive strategies, Brohm is confident that his team can rise to the occasion. There’s no doubt that communication will be at the heart of that effort, both on the field and on the sidelines.
Kickoff against Virginia is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET, and the game promises to be a critical test of whether Louisville can translate these much-needed adjustments into success on the field.
Wrapping Up
As Louisville prepares to face Virginia, the focus remains on improvement. After tough losses, the team has been forced to examine what’s working and what isn’t. Brohm’s call for better communication, more effective play-calling, and faster decision-making reflects the urgency of getting the team back on a winning track.