Bobby Petrino and Rich Rodriguez both left highly successful Big East programs for a “better” gig, and now both are struggling at their new destinations.
For Petrino, it was a rendezvous with the NFL—his dream job had finally materialized. The dream ended early after Petrino lost star quarterback Michael Vick to dogfighting charges and didn't find the same success as he did at Louisville.
Petrino was 3-10 when he decided to return to the college game and coach at Arkansas. This season, Petrino and the Razorbacks are 2-1 after being routed by Alabama 49-14 in their conference opener last weekend.
While Petrino struggled, Louisville's prolific program also went down the tubes. Coming off an Orange Bowl win, the Cardinals figured to have similar success in 2007 with Heisman contender Brian Brohm back for his senior year.
Steve Kragthorpe was brought in from Tulsa in a dream situation of his own, inheriting a loaded offense and competent defense. Like the end of Petrino's dreams, Kragthorpe experienced a rude awakening.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Middle Tennessee State lost a nerve-rattling game to Louisville in Week Two, and then the Cardinals fell to Kentucky on a last second Andre' Woodson to Steve Johnson touchdown pass. Number eight met unranked the next weekend after an embarrassing loss to Syracuse.
Louisville was grounded. West Virginia fans know what it feels like.
The Mountaineers started the season right where they left off, outclassing Villanova 48-21 in a five TD performance by Pat White. Bill Stewart looked to be the guy to lead West Virginia, following his Fiesta Bowl victory with a second win in a new season.
Week Two ended up a hard fall for the Mountaineers. Rodriguez had already lost at his new love, Michigan, and West Virginia lost 24-3 to East Carolina in the upset special of the week.
Things didn't get any better for West Virginia when they lost a field-storming game to Colorado on national television two weeks later. The Mountaineers' ranking, pride, and sense of hope were gone in a matter of weeks—a total reversal of the expected.
West Virginia in 2008 is what Louisville was in 2007. It's only fitting that both teams held a number eight ranking when their tumultuous but swift falls began.
The two schools also share slightly disenchanted fans. Wins used to come so easily, and now that they aren't falling into the hands of the beloved hometown team, who wants any part of them? Louisville attendance and enthusiasm fell, but the verdict is still out on West Virginia.
In the end, it's sad that both teams share the common upside of having a coach that wants to be where he is. Kragthorpe is in it for the long haul, and Stewart is a Mountaineer at heart.
Time will tell whether dedication will prevail over losing, and if the former Big East juggernauts will return to their former glory.
comments (4) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
The final score of the Villanova - WVU game was 48-21.
from about 1 month ago
It's fixed. Thanks for caring enough to comment about it.
about 1 month ago
No problem Jonathan. We will see how things progress. At this point I can see your comparison between the two teams, however if WVU gets their act together and wins 8+ games and their bowl, then I would say the comparison will be for naught. At this point we still don't know. Thanks for writing!
from about 1 month ago
I waited all of last season for UofL to get their act together, but it never really happened. Maybe (hopefully) WVU will be different. I want it to be an ABC showdown when they visit Papa John's in November.
write a new comment