|
QB
Brian Brohm |
|
2004
Statistics |
Coach:
Bobby Petrino
20-5,
2 years |
2004
Record: 11-1 |
|
KENTUCKY
|
WON
28-0 |
at
Army |
WON
52-21 |
at
North Carolina |
WON
34-0 |
EAST
CAROLINA |
WON
59-7 |
at
Miami FL |
LOST
38-41 |
SOUTH
FLORIDA |
WON
41-9 |
at
Memphis |
WON
56-49 |
TCU |
WON
55-28 |
at
Houston |
WON
65-27 |
CINCINNATI |
WON
70-7 |
at
Tulane |
WON
55-7 |
LIBERTY
BOWL |
vs.
Boise State |
WON
44-40 |
|
2004 Final Rankings
AP-6, Coaches-7, BCS-10
|
2005
Outlook |
In
two seasons, Petrino (no longer to
be confused with other coaching BMOC
Pitino) has taken the foundation established
by John L. Smith and erected a fortress,
and one with continuity, not just
flask in the pan. Despite sniffing
at the LSU job one week after agreeing
to a contract revision, Petrino had
little trouble selling Louisville
to recruits following, especially
now, following last year's memorable
season. That sell was made much easier
with this year's switch to the Big
East, which will make it tougher to
lock this team out of the BCS.
Still,
despite that 11-1 record and unprecedented
No. 6 national ranking (Cards fans
will forever get to wonder 'what if?'
when they think back to the 41-38
Miami loss), there's still work to
be done and things to prove. If this
program had put a bagel in the loss
column, then Petrino wouldn't be looking
elsewhere. The Cardinals' most impressive
wins were against the likes of Boise
State, Memphis and Kentucky. Though
it's not a huge step up in competition,
this team will have to carry its dominance
over to a marginally tougher conference.
Ironically,
a less impressive record could get
the Cardinals into the BCS, as long
as they win the Big East as expected.
They'll have to get through a well-stocked
Pittsburgh team at Papa John's Stadium.
An improving UConn bunch and always
dangerous (but revamping) West Virginia
are tough road dates. These teams
will no doubt go after that rebuilding
secondary, which will need some pressure
from the front seven and plenty of
points from the offense to get them
over any humps.
Expect
the high-octane offense to ultimately
overcome any defensive deficiencies,
and for Louisville to be an instant
force in a fading conference. That
awaited BCS bowl should come, but
lots of things would have to fall
into place for a national title run.
Still, after another top 10 ranking,
don't be surprised to see Petrino
further "endear" himself
to the Louisville administration with
another peak at some high-profile
openings. This is all good news, for
if success propels him out the door,
many fans might just sacrifice the
long term possibilities for that one
year of championship bliss. Hmmm
.would
you?
Projected
2005 record: 9-2
|
|
LOUISVILLE
*POWER RATINGS |
Offense |
Defense |
QB
- 4 |
DL
- 3.5 |
RB
- 3.5 |
LB
- 3.5 |
WR
- 4.5 |
DB
- 2.5 |
OL
- 4.5 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS |
Passing:
Brian Brohm, 98-66-2, 819 yds.,
6 TD
Rushing: Michael Bush, 132
att., 734 yds., 7 TD
Receiving: Montrell Jones,
37 rec., 564 yds., 3 TD
Scoring: Arthur Carmody, 12-15
FG, 77-77 PAT, 113 pts.
Punting: Brent Moody, 26 punts,
40.8 avg.
Kicking: Brent Moody, 26 punts,
40.8 avg.
Tackles: Brandon Johnson, 84
tot., 46 solo
Sacks: Elvis Dumervil, 10 sacks
Interceptions: Brandon Johnson,
2 for 49 yds.; Brent Johnson, 2 for
4 yds.
Kickoff Returns: Broderick
Clark, 18 ret., 21.3 avg., 0 TD
Punt Returns: Montrell Jones,
40 ret., 10.4 avg., 1 TD
|
|
RB
Michael Bush
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOUISVILLE
|
|
|
OFFENSE
- 6 |
----RETURNING
STARTERS---- |
DEFENSE
- 5 |
|
KEY
LOSSES |
OFFENSE:
Stefan LeFors-QB, J.R. Russell-WR, Adam
McCauley-TE, Will Rabatin-C, Lionel
Gates-RB, Tiger Jones-WR, Eric Shelton-RB
(NFL) |
DEFENSE:
Marcus
Jones-DE, Bobby Leffew-DT, Robert McCune-MLB,
Antoine Harris-CB, J.T. Haskins-SS,
Kerry Rhodes-FS, Brent Moody-P (transferred) |
|
|
2005
OFFENSE |
Quarterback
Hopes
are sky high at this spot as highly-touted
sophomore Brian Brohm takes over after a
year of learning. Brohm, who ended up second
to Tim Couch for almost every Kentucky high
school passing record, has shown early flashes
in relief roles. He's a gutsy guy with the
confidence to be the leader needed on an
offense that will have to break in some
new faces at skill positions. He has a big,
accurate arm, even if he's not quite as
mobile as departed starter Stefan LeFors.
Having a strong line and a fast receiving
corps will make his transition to the starting
role rather seamless for the offensive flow
already there. Backing up Brohm will be
true freshman Lee Sweeney, who threw for
5,173 yards at prep. Sweeney is a tall,
strong-armed QB like Brohm, and is more
of a threat with his feet. But, given that
this complex offense is built around exploiting
defenses' weaknesses with multiple formations
and personnel changes, it's hard to imagine
production not dropping off with the inexperienced
Sweeney under center. Then again, his mobility
could be needed as the change of pace foes
don't expect if/when they start to anticipate
Brohm. The QB unit is a strength, regardless.
Running
Back
What
was a triple-threat backfield now becomes
a single spearhead with converted QB Michael
Bush returning. Bush is a splendid combination
of power and speed who will blossom into
a star. In I-A ball, it seems like guys
named Bush can do it all, including beat
you out of the backfield with soft hands,
as Michael can. His biggest adjustment will
be the increased work load; Bush has yet
to carry the ball more than 18 times in
a game. Backups Kolby Smith and Reggie Bradshaw
(the team's fastest player with a 4.42 40)
are fast and versatile and will see plenty
of reps, especially early in the season
as Bush adjusts. Smith, the team's best
blocking back despite his lack of size,
is the fullback when this wide-open attack
decides to use one.
Receiver
There's
speed all over the place here, more than
enough for this offense to spread defenses
as a set up for big plays. The three burners
with starting experience who are back will
give Brohm possibly the best group of targets
in the Big East. Tennessee-transfer Montrell
Jones (15.2 yards per catch) and kick return
specialist Broderick Clark (16.3) are the
deep threats, while basketball player Joshua
Tinch is a sure-handed guy who will get
his share of catches in intermediate routes.
The nation's No. 9 pass offense won't skip
a beat.
Tight
End
The
production that is expected out of this
position should increase somewhat. Then-senior
Adam McCauley was more of a tourniquet here
after being moved from fullback to tight
end just before the start of last season.
True-TE Gary Barnidge got some valuable
experience in reserve as a true freshman
and should take over the spot this fall.
At 6-6, the former three-sport athlete is
huge target underneath, though he could
stand to pack a few more pounds onto that
frame. This area is a development that is
key to the offensive scheme the Cards use.
Watch this area to see how the entire offense
is doing.
Offensive
Line
The
best line in Conference USA returns almost
intact to test its ability against newly
aligned Big East beasts. Even against better
competition, this experienced group will
shine for the third straight year in both
pass protection (only 20 sacks allowed)
and run blocking (run game finished eighth,
nationally). Brohm's blindside couldn't
be in much better hands with NC.net second-team
all-American Travis Leffew back at tackle
alongside guard Jason Spitz. Leffew didn't
allow a sack in '03 and graded out at 90
percent or better in nine of his first 11
games last year, while Spitz was easily
the best run-blocker in CUSA. The only hole
to fill is in the middle, where redshirt
junior Michael Sturgeon will get first crack.
If he falters, expect Spitz to move to center
and one of several members of this deep
group to step in at left guard. If you saw
these guys handle the Miami Hurricanes last
year, you know what levels they can attain
and how effective they will be for all 60
minutes.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
This
might not be the nation's top total and
scoring offense again, but it will be close
enough to guarantee yard-gaining consistency
as well as enough points for the defense
to then win any game. Brohm will mature
into a leader, and he now has all the tools
of a Chris Redman, Dave Ragone or LeFors,
plus a year working with the offense. The
receivers will produce, and decent targets
at tight end and out of the backfield will
only make it tougher to stop the pass. And
the run will be just as tough to contain
with a potential superstar in Bush and one
of the best lines the school has ever produced
opening the holes. At this point, there's
no superstar leading this offense, which
is fine. The individual pieces add up to
a much more impressive whole as a team.
|
|
OT
Travis Leffew
|
|
|
LOUISVILLE
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
OFFENSE |
QB |
Brian
Brohm-So (6-4, 224) |
Davis
Manning-Fr (6-5, 225) |
RB |
Michael
Bush-Jr (6-3, 250) |
Kolby Smith-Jr (5-11, 215)
Deriontae Taylor-Jr (5-8, 232) (FB) |
WR |
Joshua
Tinch-Sr (6-3, 223) |
Jimmy
Riley-Jr (6-1, 212) |
WR |
Montrell
Jones-Sr (6-0, 199) |
Mario
Urruttia-Fr (6-6, 220) |
WR |
Broderick
Clark-Sr (6-0, 185) |
Harry
Douglas-So (5-11, 170) |
TE |
Gary
Barnidge-So (6-6, 230) |
Scott
Kuhn-So (6-5, 255_ |
OT |
Travis
Leffew-Sr (6-4, 301) |
Breno
Giacomini-Fr (6-7, 280) |
OG |
Marcus
Gordon-Jr (6-6, 320) |
Eric
Wood-Fr (6-4, 290) |
C |
Jason
Spitz-Sr (6-4, 308) |
.. |
OG |
Kurt
Quarterman-Jr (6-5, 348) |
Danny
Barlowe-So (6-5, 290) |
OT |
Jeremy
Darveau-Sr (6-7, 321) |
Michael
Sturgeon-Jr (6-3, 303) |
K |
Arthur
Carmody-So (5-8, 181) |
Rob
Zarrilli-So (5-10, 180) |
|
|
2005
DEFENSE |
Defensive
Line
Even
with some retooling here, this group will
again be a big key to another tough run-defense,
especially with DE Elvis Dumervil back.
Dumervil - who won the job in the fall then
went on to achieve 10 sacks and 11.5 TFLs
- will have to be the leader up front to
start. Having big Montavious Stanley in
the middle will again be a plugger. Potential-laden
DT Amobi Okoye, the youngest player in college
ball two years ago, has seen plenty of time
the past two seasons and is ready to shine.
Athletic senior DE Chad Rimpsey, who proved
his worth in reserve, will be a capable
starting complement to Dumervil. Developed
depth, though, is lacking, but that should
come along after a few games of rotating
linemen. This group might not be as dominant
as last year, but it won't be far off.
Linebacker
A
surprise last year after bulking up and
moving from safety to strong-side backer,
Abe Brown will now be counted on to lead
a group that lost its heart in leading tackler
Robert "Hitman" McCune. With the
line possibly dropping off a little, this
group has to, and will be tougher for this
team to continue plugging the run. Brown
has the speed (4.55), power and nose for
the ball to take over McCune's spot in the
middle. Playmaker Brandon Johnson put on
a few pounds and will continue to excel
at the weak-side position. Willie Johnson,
Malik Jackson, Preston Smith and Matt Sanders
will all battle it out for the other spot,
and don't be surprised if Deriontae Taylor
is moved back from fullback to join in the
fray. These guys are all fast and excellent
in pass coverage, though some size deficiencies
could make them vulnerable to power ground
games if the line doesn't force some double-teams.
Defensive
Back
Gutted
by six graduations from the nation's 30th-ranked
pass defense, this unit is the biggest area
of concern for this entire team entering
the spring. Someone has to step up and be
a playmaker. The leader should be top cover
corner William Gay, though the best athlete
is former Florida Gator receiver Antoine
Sharpe, who could be moved to strong safety.
Antoine's younger brother, Brandon, is a
big-hitter who will take over at free safety,
and redshirt freshman Rod Council, a three-star
recruit out of West Charlotte, N.C., should
play the other corner. Development is the
key here. This group will be tested early
and often, especially if the run defense
remains strong. If these guys don't gel
quickly, we could end up seeing final tallies
that look like prep roundball scores.
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
Often
lost in the impressive shadow of the offense
during last year's 11-1 season, the defense
ranked 15th best in all of I-A. That's a
tall order with lack of depth on the line,
a hole at LB, and a rebuilt, untested secondary
that will be prone to the big play. Keeping
the ball in front of them will be key to
getting up to speed, so to speak (for they
are all burners back there). Fortunately,
the offense will keep the defense rested
during games while testing/acclimating it
daily in practice. No way is this side of
the ball dominant (yet), but it will be
solid by midseason and will limit teams
enough to keep the Cards competitive from
the start.
|
|
DE
Elvis Dumervil
|
|
|
LOUISVILLE
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
DEFENSE |
DE |
Brandon
Cox-So (6-4, 255) |
Chad
Rimpsey-Sr (6-3, 250) |
DT |
Amobi
Okoye-Jr (6-1, 317) |
Adrian
Grady-Fr (6-2, 291) |
DT |
Montavious
Stanley-Sr (6-2, 321) |
Brinson
Harley-Jr (6-1, 298) |
DE |
Elvis
Dumervil-Sr (6-0, 256) |
Maurice
Mitchell-Fr (6-3, 267) |
SLB |
Abe
Brown-Jr (6-4, 230) |
Malik
Jackson-So (6-2, 230) |
MLB |
Matt
Sanders-So (6-2, 242) |
Johnnie
Burns-Fr (6-3, 225) |
WLB |
Brandon
Johnson-Sr (6-5, 218) |
Lamar
Myles-Fr (6-0, 214) |
CB |
Rod
Council-Fr (5-11, 185) |
Deon
Palmer-Fr (5-10, 200) |
CB |
William
Gay-Jr (5-11, 182) |
Marcus
Folmar-Fr (5-11, 175) |
SS |
Antoine
Sharp-Jr (6-1, 196) |
Terrance
Butler-So (6-3, 217) |
FS |
Brandon
Sharp-Jr (5-11, 190) |
Jonathan
Russell-So (5-10, 194) |
P |
Todd
Flannery-So (6-0, 170) |
.. |
|
|
|
2005
SPECIAL TEAMS |
Kicker
It's
always nice to have a strong-legged kicker who's
money in the bank, so no worries here. Sophomore
Arthur Carmody lived up to his hype as a freshman,
connecting on all 77 extra points and 80 percent
of his field goals (though two were blocked).
A year older and wiser will pay dividends.
Punter
Here's
an area that should improve, as junior Brent Moody
upped his average from 39.6 to 40.8. But net punting
still ranked a dismal 100th in Division I-A. Given
the speed Petrino continues to recruit, and given
another year of growth for Moody, this aspect
figures to be better, though it will still be
average at best.
Return
Game
This
is another area where the abundance of speed will
guarantee success. The speedy Clark will be back
on kickoffs for the fourth season and should once
again help set up good field position. Jones is
always capable of busting loose on punts, too.
|
|