ACC Football Power Rankings: Can anyone topple Clemson?
By Dante Pryor
11. Louisville Cardinals
Key returning players: YaYa Diaby, Malik Cunningham, Hassan Hall, Monty Montgomery
Key losses: Javian Hawkins, Chatarius Atwell, Dez Fitzpatrick
Season Outlook: There are two ways to look at Louisville. Either the Cardinals “played better than their record” or (as Bill Parcells famously said) you are what your record says you are. No matter what perspective you take, Louisville has to learn to play without exceptional talent.
Javian Hawkins, Chatarius Atwell, and Dez Fitzpatrick are all gone from a team that averaged nearly 30 points per game last season. Malik Cunningham returns at quarterback, as does the one-two punch of Hassan Hall and Jalen Mitchell.
Keep an eye on Georgia Southen transfer Shai Werts. Formerly an option quarterback, Werts looks to make the transition to wide receiver with his last season of eligibility and had an outstanding spring and summer, according to reports.
Werts could give head coach Scott Satterfield the versatility the offense had with Atwell in the slot.
What Louisville does not have to worry about is the defense. The Cardinals’ defense improved last season. Veteran lineman YaYa Diaby anchors a defense made of primarily veteran players.
Alcorn State transfer Qwynterrio Cole looks to improve his draft stock as he and freshman Benjamin Perry battle for snaps this fall.