The Louisville Cardinals‘ matchup against a red-hot ACC opponent in the Virginia Tech Hokies just got that much harder with star wide receiver Jamari Thrash declared out ahead of their matchup, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Thrash’s injury is a wrist/upper-body injury, and how long he will be out is unknown at this time.
The Louisville roster has been battling injuries over the last few weeks, with running back Jawhar Jordan a game-time decision against Virginia Tech and their starting left tackle and center. Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. was also declared out for this game.
Jamari Thrash’s Impact For Louisville
The Georgia State transfer has been Louisville’s best playmaker offensively this season. Thrash has been quarterback Jack Plummer’s go-to target this season, and his absence will echo throughout this game.
Thrash’s 712 receiving yards and six touchdowns are more than triple Louisville’s next-leading receiver, and oftentimes, Thrash is the sole target on a route. Louisville’s next-leading receiver is sophomore Chris Bell, who has 229 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season.
Thrash is an excellent route-runner with the burst to break a big play at any given moment. While his draft stock hasn’t quite developed nationally, Thrash has been one of the best wide receivers in the country this season and is a key part of Louisville’s success so far this season.
With his playmaking ability, Louisville also uses him in motion often, as defenses are forced to respect his presence. His motion opens up holes in the run game and puts defenders in conflict, making the running game easier for Louisville’s backs.
Quarterback Jack Plummer will have to step up and make plays with his arm and legs throughout this game. Plummer will be without his reliable first option in the passing game, so how Louisville adjusts will be key to them taking on a resurgent Virginia Tech squad.
Virginia Tech is riding a two-game winning streak in ACC play and is allowing the seventh-fewest passing yards per game in the country. An already tough opponent will be that much harder to take down with Thrash out.