Rarely has a fan base been so confused by a W as U of L's is in the wake of last night's come from behinder against a middle of the road CUSA squad, Southern Miss.

The growing majority of the Cardinal fans are now firmly convinced Steve Kragthorpe will never be as successful at U of L as they demand and are wondering if the improvement displayed last night will convince AD Tom Jurich to keep SK?

Against weaker opposition, the Cards did show some spunk and spark last night. It's obvious that Adam Froman is more formidable at QB than Justin Burke. That a couple of additions on the O line have helped stabilize the offense. And that the D can show up on occasion in the red zone. At least against a team with as mundane play calling as the Golden Eagles.

So, let's celebrate last night's win. A W is a W. Period.

But now we come to a portion of the schedule where the rubber must meet the road. UConn is beatable this coming week in Storrs. Cincy probably isn't the week after up I-71. If the Cards don't beat Arky State on Halloween, here's my advice for the Kraghtorpe's. Empty all the candy in the cupboard for the trick or treaters, unless you want to pack it along with all the other home furnishings for a visit from Two Guys & A Truck.

I don't see how Louisville can win in Morgantown or against South Florida. If they lose a third in a row to the ‘Cuse, shame on ‘em. By the time Rutgers comes to town, the team's fate and Kragthorpe's future will be sealed. Anything might happen. Including an empty stadium if late November weather stays true to form.

It looks like 5-7 is the best U of L can do, with 4-8 a real possibility.

Which means Cardinal fans will continue to play Metro Louisville's favorite new game: Who bought the house in Oldham County? Is it a) Jon Gruden, b) Tom Tuberville, c) Jeff JagdswhatisnamewhousedtocoachBC, d) Phil Fulmer, e) Gus Malzahn or f) some unknown hotshot that TJ has his eye on?

Unless last night's game was a harbinger of Extreme Makeover, Cardinal Edition, the cacophony of carping shall continue. I'd say have some ear plugs handy.