College Football Rankings: Top 25 entering spring games
By Brad Weiss
Louisville Cardinals
2016: 9-4, ACC- Atlantic Division
Throughout a chunk of the 2016 college football season, it looked the Louisville Cardinals were headed for the College Football Playoff. However, the team lost an instant classic on the road against the Clemson Tigers and then finished the regular season with consecutive losses. Those losses ran over into their bowl game, where they were beaten by the LSU Tigers. It was a disappointing end to the season for head coach Bobby Petrino and company.
The bright spot for the Cardinals last season was obvious, as quarterback Lamar Jackson accounted for 51 touchdowns for the team. His efforts led to Jackson winning the coveted Heisman Trophy and setting himself up to possibly repeat in 2017. An early home game against the Clemson Tigers should be a barometer for this team, who is going to have to do more than just lean on Jackson if they want to take the next step this season.
Despite the fact that Jackson dominated college football in 2016, this team was not that deep of a unit. The offensive line is weak, and with three players leaving from that unit, it may actually be a better group in 2017. Also gone is running back Brandon Radcliff, as well as Jackson’s top two receivers, James Quick and Jamari Staples.
Jackson is going to have a strong season, and the Cardinals only have two tough road games in North Carolina and Florida State. That game against Florida State should be a good one, as it will feature two of the best quarterbacks in the country. The Cardinals should win at least ten games next season, but with Jackson carrying most of the load, the ceiling is not that high for Lousiville in 2017.