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| Sunday, August 12 Updated: August 14, 8:40 AM ET Eight starters return from C-USA's top offense By Eric Crawford Special to ESPN.com |
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Louisville Cardinals 2000 record: 9-3 (6-1). Coach: John L. Smith (4th year, 23-13). Starters returning: 8 offense, 6 defense, 2 kickers. Outlook: The Cardinals led C-USA in scoring last season with a first-year QB. Now they've got eight starters returning, including one of the nation's top quarterbacks, an all-conference receiver in Deion Branch and one of the top tight ends in the league in Ronnie Ghent. They'll have to fill some holes on the offensive line, but may be deeper there than they have been in Smith's tenure. Smith says the offense may have to carry the load early while he replaces five starters on defense. Star ends Michael Josiah and Dewayne White combined for 25 sacks last season, but both tackles will be new, as will both cornerbacks. Both areas are crucial in Smith's 4-3 scheme. The Cardinals are deep at linebacker, however, and may show some different looks, throwing four LBs into the mix. Anthony Floyd, who tied for the nation's lead with 10 intercpetions last year, is back for his junior season. Keep an eye on: Dewayne White. As a redshirt freshman, White registered 12 sacks in his first year as a starting defensive end and didn't enter the starting lineup until the third game of the season. Smith converted him from running back and believes he could be one of the best in the nation before he's finished. The 6-2, 270-pounder has the speed and strength to be a great pass rusher, and is working to become just as effective against the run. Key game: Conference rival Southern Miss visits for a Tuesday night showdown on Oct. 16. Though the Cards exorcised some demons in beating the Golden Eagles 49-28 in Hattiesburg last year, the memory of a home-field loss on a disputed fake punt play that cost them the conference championship in 1999 remains fresh. A win could put them into the C-USA driver's seat. It's a good year if... The Cards go undefeated. All right, that goal may be a bit ambitious, but it seems to be the level of expectations of fans. For his part, Smith says his team may be a year away from making serious national noise, but if the offense is as good as advertised and the defense is as good or better as it was a year ago, Louisville could remain ahead of schedule on Smith's rebuilding plan. Ragone must stay healthy, however. An upgraded schedule means the Cards could be better this season but still not post as good a record as they had last year. They finish the season with road games at ECU and TCU. Eric Crawford covers Conference USA for the Louisville Courier-Journal. |
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