Bush, Kragthorpe hit record low approval ratings; Louisville hires Blackwater
Is it time for more goatee?
Fifty-eight percent of the 819 adults polled said they disapprove of the job Bush has done, while 65 percent said they disapprove of Kragthorpe’s job. Forty percent said they approved Bush, but only 3 percent approved Kragthorpe, leaving 32 percent who said their opinion was left for Louisville Defensive Coordinator Mike Cassity.
When asked what they did not like about Kragthorpe, 45 percent responded “defense,” 30 percent responded “priorities,” 10 percent responded “demeanor,” and 15 percent responded “other,” including “name.” Louisville fans have manipulated Kragthorpe’s unique name to liken him to the Cardinals’ previous ratings loser, Ron Cooper. Names circulating message boards and talk radio shows include “Kragcooper,” “Cooperthorpe,” “Kooper,” and “Steveron.”
Both Bush and Kragthorpe have seemed to employ a similar but ineffective game plan: a lot of offense but very little defense. Critics say Bush’s strategy to be on the “offensive” to combat terrorism has compromised the nation’s own security here at home, while Kragthorpe’s team ranks first in Division I-A in total offense, but close to last (109th) in total defense.
Despite the dismally low ratings, there are a few fans who are sticking it out with both “leaders.”
“I just like it that when Bush says he’s going to do something, by God he does it,” said Bush and Kragthorpe supporter Terry Wrightwood. “He says he’s going to stay in Iraq, he stays in Iraq; he says he’s going to his ranch in Texas, he goes to his ranch in Texas; he says he’s going to out a covert CIA agent, and by God he outs a covert CIA agent. You gotta respect a man like that.”
“And Coach K, how can you not like the man? He’s a good guy. There are a lot of boy scout troops and Christian groups out there that support him, and he has the best upward stare of any coach in college football. I know a good ball coach when I don’t hear one, and by God he’s a good ball coach.”
U of L football hires security firm Blackwater to improve defense
In the wake of Kragthorpe’s record low approval rating and Saturday’s embarrassing loss to Syracuse, Louisville made a drastic move Tuesday by hiring the security firm Blackwater to help turn around its struggling defense.
Blackwater is a prominent, private U.S. security firm in Iraq that escorts U.S. officials and contractors assisting in Iraq’s reconstruction. Blackwater has made headlines recently with accusations of illegally smuggling arms into Iraq and an attack on Iraqi civilians, which left at least 20 dead, according to Iraqi officials. Some reports indicate the Blackwater attack was unprovoked, and video of the scene appears to support that conclusion. Blackwater maintains it was under a deluge of verbal assaults, sticks, and stones from all directions.
U of L is expected to gain insight from Blackwater in a number of areas where the defense is falling short, namely allowing big plays. A Blackwater spokesman touted the firm’s ability to prevent plays from beginning, much less developing. “We prefer to negotiate our client’s exclusion from the rules, get in the offensive huddle, lock down the opposing team’s coaching box, etc. There’s really no reason to let the other team line up. That’s just improving their chances.”
Despite Blackwater’s innovative strategies, the hiring is sure to draw heat from those opposed to the war and even Republicans who are bewildered by out-of-control expenditures. Head Coach Steve Kragthorpe was asked about the potential for controversy.
“There’s no question about it,” Kragthorpe said while borrowing a phrase from his predecessor’s vernacular. “But, the defense needs more of a ‘shoot first’ mentality. We’re too worried about stopping the other team, and not taking the ball and scoring. From a schematic standpoint, there’s no need to wait for the offense to score some points. The defense needs to be more offensive. The jury is still out on the Blackwater situation. If that causes controversy, then I take all the blame. It’s on me. It’s all on me. Have I made it clear no one else is to blame for anything that might occur on the field of play?”
“I know this is an unconventional move, particularly since Blackwater doesn’t know the first thing about football. Neither does Lee Corso nor Lou Holtz …,” continued the first-year coach.
When asked about the impact on the athletic department budget, Kragthorpe replied, “I don’t really get involved with that stuff. That’s the job of the athletic department. However, I don’t think we scared up a lot of bids.”
Louisville A.D. Tom Jurich confirmed there wasn’t a formal bidding process. “We needed to make a quick and confident decision. Anything less emboldens the other team and anyone who suggests otherwise is not a true Card fan. As I said after the Syracuse game, ‘We will rebuild from this’,” said Jurich. “What firm in the world is better equipped to secure a chaotic rebuilding effort? I don’t see Howard Schnellenberger or Halliburton walking through that door.”
They might not be walking through the door, but you can be sure the defense will be giving it their all from now on, lock, stock, and barrel.