BIG EAST FOOTBALL: Louisville Cardinals 2008 Season Predictions

Louisville's struggles were well documented last season. The team ended up going 6-6 and missing out on a bowl game for the first time since 1997. 

And it might not be that much better this year. Only four starters return on both offense and defense.  Not mention the Cardinals must replace Brian Brohm.

Here are my predictions for the 2008 Louisville Cardinals.

8/31     KENTUCKY

Kentucky has had relative success the last few season primarily because they could outscore opponents.  With the departure of stars at QB, RB, and WR the defense will have to step it up. 

Prediction:  Win (27-24)

9/06     TENNESSEE TECH

The Cardinals will take an easy win when they can get one.

Prediction:  Win (44-16)

9/17     KANSAS STATE

Kansas State must replace second round draft pick Jordy Nelson (WR) and the defense was just awful last season.  Ron Price is rebuilding the Wildcats program, but they won't have enough to take down Louisville at Papa John's Stadium.

Prediction:  Win (31-24)

9/26     CONNECTICUT

The Cardinals open Big East play against the co-defending champs.  UConn's 2007 season was not a fluke.

Prediction:  Loss (28-17)

10/10   at MEMPHIS

The only way Memphis could win this game is if they were playing basketball.

Prediction:  Win (34-14)

10/18   MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE

The Cardinals are offense is really starting to click.

Prediction:  Win (38-10)

10/25   SOUTH FLORIDA

A good old-fashioned Big East shoot-out at Papa John's Stadium.

Prediction:  Loss (42-38)

11/01   at SYRACUSE

Revenge game.  The Cardinals should not have lost to the Orange last season and they will make sure not to let history repeat itself.

Prediction:  Win (45-17)

11/08   at PITT

Pitt will be more consistent on both sides of the ball this season and LeSean McCoy will give Ron English's defense fits.

Prediction:  Loss (34-28)

11/14   CINCINNATI

Brian Kelly has his Bearcats rolling and the Cardinals are in their toughest stretch of games this season.

Prediction:  Loss (31-21)

11/22   WEST VIRGINIA

A new coach in Morgantown won't change much.  West Virginia is still stacked.

Prediction:  Loss (45-24)

12/04   at RUTGERS

Louisville's morale is down and the Scarlet Knights are just too tough at home.

Prediction:  Loss (28-20)

Final Record:  6-6.  Louisville must get better on defense to again be considered a Big East power.  The addition of Ron English should help, but not in 2008.