Louisville’s Charlie Strong did one of the best coaching jobs in the nation last year in his first season at Louisville as the Cardinals exceeded expectations by going 7-6 and winning a bowl game for the first time since the 2006 Orange Bowl. Can the Cards continue their growth and compete for the Big East title? They are 10/1 to win the conference on Bodog’s NCAA football futures odds.
Even though this program appears on the rise, it may take a step back this year after losing 11 starters. That includes the top two passers, top two receivers and running back Bilal Powell, who was second in the Big East in rushing in 2010. Victor Anderson, who rushed for 1,047 yards and eight touchdowns in 2008 but has since been hobbled by injuries, will take over as the featured back. But Jeremy Wright also will get carries. The likely starter at QB is Will Stein, who threw all of 14 passes last year. But the future is top recruit Teddy Bridgewater. Center Mario Benavides is the only returning starter on the offensive line.
The defense brings back seven starters but lost end Rodney Gnat, who led the team with nine sacks last year. Still, the line likely will be the strength of the defense. Strong believes B.J. Butler and Brandon Dunn will team with veteran defensive end Greg Scruggs to make this unit strong, pardon the pun. The Cards have to replace starting cornerbacks Johnny Patrick and Bobby Burns. UL does have one of the Big East’s best safeties in Hakeem Smith, who led the team with 88 tackles last year, including six for loss.
Louisville opens the season Sept. 1 against Murray State.
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