Previewing The Big East: Louisville Cardinals

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The good news for whoever wins the starting job is that he’ll be throwing to a talented group of receivers.  If he can stay healthy, senior Scott Long has the physical ability to be one of the top receivers in the Big East. However, last year his season was cut short by a torn ACL that he suffered practice and it remains to be seen if he’ll be 100 percent for the season. Louisville also returns its two leading receivers from a year ago—Doug Beaumont and Josh Chichester.

The biggest reason for optimism in Louisville though is the return of sophomore Victor Anderson, who ran for over 1,000 yards last year as a freshman.  Anderson showcased his tremendous talent last year behind a solid offensive line led by Eric Wood and George Bussey. With those two gone to the NFL now, Anderson may have a harder time finding space to run this year. If the line can replace those two without missing a beat, the Cards should have one of the most potent running games in the Big East.

Unfortunately for the Cards, despite the presence of Anderson and some solid receivers, it looks like they simply have too many question marks on both sides of the ball to be considered real contenders in the Big East.

If one of Louisville’s untested quarterbacks emerge from the pack and plays well all year, they might be able to overcome their below average defense enough to win a few conference games. However, things look bleak for the Cardinals in 2009. Card fans may have to take solace in the possibility of hiring a new coach for 2010.

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