2008 Louisville Cardinals Football
August 3, 2008
Steve Kragthorpe didn’t get much out of the talent left over from Bobby Petrino’s former squad last year. Now Kragthorpe will get a shot to redeem himself with his own recruiting class taking its toll on this Cardinals’ football team in ‘08. No Brian Brohm around any more might cause a few headaches early with tough games against Kentucky and Kansas state in the non-conference slate. But the Cardinals do have four home games to start the season, a schedule any coach would be pleased with. Let’s see where the Info Plays team ranks this squad in our 2008 Louisville Cardinals football predictions article below.
Offense:
Losing record-setting quarterback Brian Brohm won’t be easy to overcome. But they do have patient senior quarterback Hunter Cantwell, who has four career starts in injury duty under his belt. Cantwell has NFL measures at 6-4, 236 pounds with a strong arm. Who he’s throwing to is the biggest issue. Receivers Harry Douglas and Mario Urrutia are gone, as are tight ends Gary Barnidge and Scott Kuhn. Coach Kragthorpe expects healthy competition at wideout with juniors Trent Guy and Scott Long trying to fend off sophomore Doug Beaumont and red shirt freshman Josh Chichester. Long has the most experienced with 27 catches for 358 yards last year.
Jujuan Spillman was suspended for the final six games last season as a special teams standout, but he could be in line to be the No. 1 receiver this year if he gets his act together. Still, eight players are missing from last year’s spread offense. That means Kragthorpe might decide to rely more on the running game. Anthony Allen transferred after rushing for a record 275 yards against Middle Tennessee last year. Still, there’s plenty of depth and flexibility in the backfield. Sophomore Bilal Powell seems to be the one to watch at tailback after showing a flash at the end of the season last year. The offensive line has a solid foundation led by All-Big East center Eric Wood and tackle George Bussey returning.
Defense:
Miami transfer James Bryant has a big load on his shoulders at linebacker, where all three starters are gone. Michigan transfer James McKinney returned home to Louisville to help shore up the defensive line. Four junior college transfers enrolled in January and will compete for playing time this fall. The defensive line has the most experience with ends Maurice Mitchell and L.D. Scott returning. Earl Heyman is back at tackle and should be the unit’s leader after recording a team-high four sacks last year.
Bryant should hold down the middle linebacker spot. Chris Campa figures to start on the strong side after a solid junior college career. He’s considered one of the gems of this year’s recruiting class. The projected starters in the secondary are experienced and talented. Strong safety Bobby Buchanan is the team’s leading returning tackles with 54, but depth is a serious concern in the secondary.
Louisville Football Predictions at Info Plays: 6th in the Big East
The program last season wasn’t quite as healthy as it appeared to be on paper, on or off the field. The offense can’t be counted on to produce as well as it did last season, and the defense can’t be expected to make any major improvements. What the Cardinals have going for them in 2008 are eight home games, including six of the first seven in Louisville. This will give young talent plenty of time to gain experience.
Get another look at the 2008 Louisville Cardinals football team from the Red Zone Report here.
Big East Wins Expected in ‘08: CONNECTICUT, at Syracuse, CINCINNATI
Potential Scares/Losses:
SOUTH FLORIDA, at
Pittsburgh,
WEST VIRGINIA, at Rutgers