Bobby Petrino has spent nine seasons as a college coach, beginning at Louisville, moving to Arkansas, and continuing with a one-year stint at Western Kentucky. He’s now back at Louisville, leading the Cardinals into their first season as a member of the ACC.
Redshirt sophomore Will Gardner replaces Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback and will look to take advantage of Petrino’s wide-open, pass-first offense. Unfortunately for Gardner, star wide receiver DeVante Parker—who tied a school record with 12 touchdown catches in 2013—injured his left foot and has been ruled out for six to eight weeks.
Louisville’s offense also features tailback Dominique Brown, who rushed for 825 yards last season, and a senior-laden offensive line headlined by center Jake Smith, guard John Miller and tackle Jamon Brown.
Defensively, the Cardinals lost their leader in safety Calvin Pryor to the NFL Draft, but return Lorenzo Mauldin, who will move to linebacker in the newly-implemented 3-4 scheme after recording 9.5 sacks a season ago.
Despite an extremely difficult schedule with games against Clemson, Florida State, Miami, and Notre Dame, Louisville could be a top-15 team in the nation, especially if Parker returns sooner rather than later.
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