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2009 Louisville College Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

Louisville 7109 Before Steve Kragthorpe came over from Tulsa to take over the program, the Cards won the Orange Bowl and they were owning in-state rival Kentucky. They are only 11-13 in two season’s under Kragthorpe and now the pressure is on as he has named himself offensive coordinator. Louisville is listed at +15,000 to win the 2009 BCS Championship.

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Offense – Louisville has been “quarterback U” here lately with its last five starting QB’s moving on to the NFL. Unfortunately, that string is over. Either N.C. State transfer Justin Burke or juco transfer Adam Froman will likely take over under center and neither has even seen the field for the Cards. Burke is projected as the better passer and that should give him the edge to win the job. Whoever takes over at QB will be handing the ball off to sophomore tailback Victor Anderson often. Anderson earned 2008 Big East Rookie of the Year honors following a 1,047-yard, eight-touchdown season. If Burke or Froman can prove to be efficient passers, head coach Steve Kragthorpe, who’s calling the offensive plays this season, will gladly air it out as he has the talent to do so at receiver. Doug Beaumont returns following a 62-catch, 750-yard season and 6′8” Josh Chichester and 6′2” Scott Long are a handful for most defensive backs. The offensive line returns its right side with guard Abdul Kuyateh and tackle Jeff Adams, but the left side combo of guard Mark Wetterer and tackle Greg Tomczyk could be even better.

Defense – Former Utah State head man Brent Guy takes over for Ron English as coordinator, the third defensive coordinator in Kragthorpe’s reign. The offensive line lost its two best run stuffers and returns no starters so stopping the run and applying pressure to opposing QB’s will be a challenge. Right now, senior right tackle L.T. Walker is the most experienced projected starter up front. The linebacker corps is the strength of the defense with five experienced players returning. Middle linebacker Jon Dempsey is the team’s leading returning tackler (80 tackles) and has also proven to be a playmaker at the position. Antwon Canady returns as well, but sophomore Dexter Heyman is a name to look out for. He has the size/speed combo to be something special. Returning starter, cornerback Johnny Patrick, is the Cards top cover man, but he’s going to need some help as Louisville allowed 239.3 yards per game through the air last season.

Prediction: 7th Big East Conference – It wasn’t too long ago that the Cards were the cream of the crop in the Big East. The program has taken a step, or two, back since Kragthorpe took over. Now that he’s named himself the offensive coordinator, he won’t be able to hide behind anyone else when the results are sour. All in all, it figures to be a trying season with an inexperienced quarterback trying to navigate a tough road slate. Louisville is listed at +1,500 to win the 2009 Big East Championship.

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