Louisville talked and Alabama answered.
The few weeks of chatter from Cardinal offensive linemen and a receiver about potential domination of the Crimson Tide's rebuilt defense, it turns out, was overstated.
Top-ranked Alabama's 51-14 pounding of Louisville will be remembered for Tua Tagovailoa's wizardry, though its defense had its say. Sometimes violently.
Playing its first game without Heisman winner Lamar Jackson, Louisville managed just 16 rushing yards and 268 total. First-time starter Jawon Pass had his moments completing 20 of 39 passes for 252 yards and two scores. There just wasn't the consistency thanks in part to the Cardinals going 4-for-14 on third downs.