I took a look at the participation chart for the Cards against the Canes, to see if we were missing anybody who usually plays. I did find a few: RB Maurice Burkley, LB Quen Head, LB TJ Holl, CB PJ Mbanasor, and C TJ McCoy.
McCoy has started 6 games for us and played 7 total, but has missed the last two. His absence could certainly explain some of the false start penalties with the line. Mbanasor has been a top CB sub for us, playing in 6 games and starting one. Head has played in 8 games with one start and TJ Holl has played in 7 games.
That’s probably not enough attrition to explain the blowout loss to the U, but missing three contributors out of the defensive back seven would definitely have hurt in the second, third and forth quarters.