Louisville first came onto my radar (and I’m sure many others) back when they became “the little team that almost beat Miami” back when Miami was still in the Big East, and it actually sorta meant something to be able to beat Miami.
Much of the buzz behind this program was courtesy of their very own “mad scientist” head coach, Bobby Petrino. And when Bobby decided to move up in the world, and work on solving the Michael Vick as a NFL QB conundrum (interesting solution, Bobby), the team seemed to take a hit in the glam department. There were even rumors that highly talented QB Brian Brohm would split for the NFL because of this development. But new HC, Steve Kragthorpe, took a page right out of the Arkansas HR management playbook, and stemmed the tide of NFL defections by hiring Brian’s brother Jeff as his co-OC (read: Not really calling plays. At least, not on his own.).
Offense: They get 8 starters back, most importantly Brohm. The way the offense ran last year, if the new coaching staff just “don’t fix what ain’t broke,” this squad should have no problem putting up points. They do, however, lose Michael Bush (out most of last year with injury).
Defense: They were surprisingly good last year, despite their Big East reputation, giving up fewer than 17 per game. They get only 6 starters back from that squad, however.
Special Teams: They’ve got a kicker that recorded 21 touchbacks last year. I’m not sure ND’s had that many TBs in the last decade. They also get a new ST coach, Mark Nelson, with an excellen ST reputation.
Facts:
- Louisville went 12-1 last year. And, had they not essentially choked against Rutgers, would probably have faced what was an apparently “flat” Ohio State in the National Championship Game.
- Their kicker, Carmody, hasn’t missed a place kick since the 3rd game of 2006.
- When Bobby Petrino took over the HC job at Louisville, he had no HC experience. And neither of his coordinators had any coordinating experience.
HLS Top 25 Meta:
- Highest spot on a HLS Ballot: 13
- Lowest spot on a HLS Ballot: 23
- Average ranking on HLS Ballots: 16.25
Why Alex Trebek Loves Them:
- An estimated 98,000 cars pass by Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium every day on I-65.
Around the Web:
HLS Tracker 10 Forecast Says:
Remember when The Raiders made it to the Superbowl despite Nebraska’s current Head Coach taking over for Gruden(!)? I sort of think that could be the same type of thing that happens here. The new HC, Kragthorpe certainly seemed capable in his previous job at Memphis Tulsa, and if he’s smart enough to just let the well-oiled machine keep on churning for a year before he starts too much tinkering, they could very well burn thru the Big East and lay claim to an NC Bid, a BCS bid at the least.
- HLS Tweets for the Week of 2009-11-15 - November 15, 2009
- HLS Tweets for the Week of 2009-11-08 - November 8, 2009
- HLS Tweets for the Week of 2009-11-01 - November 1, 2009
More like LOSE-e-ville. hah.
HC Kragthorpe coached at Tulsa and did an outstanding job. Not Memphis…He was an NFL quarteback coach for Drew Bledsoe when he had his most memorable NFL season at Buffalo.
Kevin, duh. I knew that. Thanks. Brain fart. Not you. My writing.
Guy went to college with my father…cool