The Cardinals kick off their season in 115 days.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Spring practice for the Louisville football program is well in the rear view mirror, and the countdown to kickoff has officially begun.
It's no secret what Jacksonville State likes to do on offense: run the ball, run the ball, and run the ball some more. Last season, their 236.7 rushing yards per game ranked third in all of the FBS, behind only Liberty and Air Force. However, they lose their top three rushers from last season, including starting quarterback Zion Webb.
Defense was a much, much different story last season. Their 437.1 yards allowed per game ranked dead last in the ACC, 120th nationally, and resulted in a midseason demotion of their defensive coordinator. They also lost a few of their top defenders like safety Jaylon King and linebacker Paul Moala. While they also bring back a few impact players like defensive lineman Kyle Kennard and linebacker Kyle Efford, depth is still a massive question mark here.
Louisville proved last season that they can go blow-for-blow with a team as talented as Notre Dame. However, the Irish could be even more deep than they were last season thanks in part to their No. 13 portal class - which is the best of any UofL opponent - and this time they have to go to South Bend. The Cardinals could certainly pull off another upset, but for now, my money's on ND.
There is *some* potential on offense. Tony Muskett is likely the starting quarterback, but Anthony Colandrea dazzled at times as a true freshman. First-Team All-ACC wide receiver Malik Washington is now in the NFL, but Malachi Fields returns, and transfer Chris Tyree should help whichever quarterback starts. The issue with this offense is that their rushing game is a near non-factor and their offensive line was one of the worst in the FBS last season , resulting in them averaging only 368.
There is some noteworthy turnover on defense, like the fact that they lose their four starters in the secondary, but there is still talent a-plenty here. Between star freshman Rueben Bain, and transfers Simeon Barrow Jr. and Elijah Alston, the Canes could have one of the nastiest defensive lines in the ACC. Plus Second-Team All-ACC linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, the team leader in sacks and tackles for loss, will make that Miami front seven that much more deadly.
Boston College has a chance to put up points against Louisville, as they saw in the latter stages of their matchup last year. However, the Eagles will more than likely give up their fair share of points as well, as the Cardinals also saw. Louisville should cover fairly easily here. Clemson is still a very talented team, but it seems that their national title contender days under Dabo Swinney are past them.
If Stanford has any strengths, it's over on the offensive side of the ball. While it's a unit that was just 89th nationally after averaging 351.6 yards per game, their passing attack isn't awful. Elic Ayomanor is a 1,000-yard receiver, and quarterback Ashton Daniels had a moderate amount of success in his first year as a starter. However, that's all the Cardinal really have, as both their ground game and offensive line are anemic to say the least.
Louisville Football Way-Too-Early-Projection Jeff Brohm
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