Louisville Cardinals

Head Coach

Steve Kragthorpe	2nd year
07-08	6-6
Big East	3-4
FCR	56

Previous Season Wins

Big East Previews by Michael Matts

Head Coach - It was tough sledding for Steve Kragthorpe in his first year at Louisville. He inherited the BE Champs and went 6-6, missing a bowl game. He will now have to cope with serious offensive losses and he is hoping his new coaching staff will help craft a new look.

Quarterback - Gone is Brian Brohm, the leagues leading passer in 2007. Fortunately, the Cardinals believe they can build an offense around Hunter Cantwell, who has played in 18 games leading into this season. Cantwell is bigger than Brohm, and some think he has a stronger arm.

Running Backs - Anthony Allen, last year’s leading rusher transferred, leaving the RB job to Brock Bolen, a FB in stature. For a speed change up, look for sophomore Bilal Powell, who averages 6.5 yards a carry in limited duty.

Offensive Line - Cantwell will have the luxury of an experienced offensive line, spearheaded by returning starters in C Eric Wood and LT George Bussey. The OL is one of the league’s largest, averaging over 310 lbs.

Receivers - While the OL is seasoned, the WR position is in complete disarray. Gone are Harry Douglass and Mario Urrutia .In this three-wide system, only Scott Long has any experience. Look for juniors Trent Guy and JaJuan Spillman to try to fill the huge void.

Defense - For most of the 2007 season, Louisville was completely lost on defense. They yielded 38 points or more on seven occasions and were 115th in pass efficiency defense. This prompted a complete overhaul of the defensive coaching staff. Ron English comes in from Michigan and will bring an aggressive style to Louisville.

Defensive Line - He will have all four starters back on the DL, and Earl Heymen is a huge run-stopper at left tackle.

Linebackers - James Bryant, a transfer from Miami, leads the linebacking corps that will try to absorb the new system.

Defensive Backs -

Special Teams - Another huge loss comes with the graduation of Art Carmody, the nation’s best kicker a year ago. Purdue transfer Tim Dougherty is the leader to replace him. P Cory Goeschette looks to improve on average punting numbers.

Schedule - After the annual grudge match with Kentucky, a light OOC includes Memphis, Tennessee Tech and Kansas State and MTSU. WVU, USF and Cincy come to Papa John’s Stadium.

Outlook - It will be a long year in Louisville. Cantwell is an NFL prospect at QB, but he will have newbies at every skill position. Ron English will get the defense upgraded, but it will take a few years. A bowl game is almost impossible in 2008.