Louisville Football: 5 biggest questions facing the Cardinals in spring 2018

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LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 25: Dae Williams #25 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Can the Cardinals establish a strong run game?

What if I told you that Louisville’s run game was led by a guy who had 1,600 yards? What if I also told you that guy was quarterback Lamar Jackson? You’d probably assume there were other running backs who stepped up, but no back was allotted more than 100 carries in 2017.

That’s a problem.

The experience returning isn’t great, but someone like Dat Williams could emerge as the lead back after averaging 6.2 yards per touch and scoring three touchdowns on 38 carries as a sophomore. Junior Trey Smith could also be an option after averaging 5.9 yards per touch on 21 carries last season.

Louisville also has a solid dual-threat quarterback replacing Jackson. Jawon Pass ran the ball 13 times for just 62 yards, but he has the ability to tuck and run with it, keeping the defense guessing.

The Cardinals need to establish a true starting running back and prove that they can have a run game outside of the quarterback position this spring.

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