Of course, it also helps that one of those returning starters is quarterback Chris Redman, who became the 14th Division I-A quarterback to throw for more than 4,000 yards in a season. Now that Kentucky's Tim Couch has taken his arm to the NFL, Redman can stake his claim to the title of "best QB in the commonwealth." But like many quarterbacks who put up big numbers, Redman was often forced to do so because the Cardinal defense couldn't stop anyone -- it allowed 481 yards and 33.8 points per game in 1998.

Because of Redman's pyrotechnic arm, Louisville led the nation in offense (560 yards per game) and was sixth in scoring (40.4 points per game). Don't expect those numbers to change much, even with a switch in offensive coordinators (Scott Linehan replaces Bob Petrino, who went to the Baltimore Ravens). Redman took his share of hits last season, and missed some time due to a sprained knee ligament. He wore a brace during spring drills, but is considering playing without the brace this fall.

Five of the Cardinals' top six pass catchers return, led by Arnold Jackson (99 catches, 1,271 yards), Lavell Boyd (68, 878) and tight end Ibn Green (58, 922), who has been a recipient of Redman's passes since the eighth grade. Green has led the nation's tight ends in receptions, receiving yards and TDs for two consecutive seasons. Running back Frank Moreau most likely will get his starting job back after Leroy Collins inexplicably left early for the NFL (and went undrafted). Redman's passing ability obviously helped set up the run last season, but Collins' 1,228 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns won't automatically show up this season. Moreau was the starter before the J.C. transfer Collins took the job. Redshirt freshman Henry Miller and sophomore Tony Stallings will push Moreau for playing time.

The middle of the line needs to be replaced, but tackles Anthony Byrd and Mark Grivna are back to protect Redman. On a senior-dominated offense, redshirt freshman Adam Dardzinski will start at guard. That decision was cemented when Josh Richardson's knee failed to respond to rehabilitation.

Otis Floyd, who started at four positions last season, has settled in at defensive end after receiving a fifth year of eligibility. Second-team all-conference pick Mike Gantous (6-2, 300) is back at tackle to anchor the line. The linebackers all have good speed and have shown all-league potential. Bud Herring and Rashad Harris will have to step up to improve a rushing defense which allowed 238.7 yards per game. Herring, who led the team in tackles last year, has been moved to the middle, while Xavier Burrell, last year's starting strong safety, has switched to linebacker and will see plenty of time outside.

In the secondary, Burrell's vacated safety spot is the only position which will be breaking in a new starter. Junior college transfer Corey Wallace gives coach John L. Smith the speed he covets for his defense. Cornerback Antonio Roundtree is undersized (5-7) to cover big receivers but proved feisty enough to lead the conference in pass breakups (15) while adding 59 tackles.