2009 Previews: Louisville

Feeling a little Kragthorped? That’s because we’re heading to Louisville for Preview No. 15. Previews of all 65 BCS conference schools, plus Notre Dame and state schools, in no particular order, will run daily through Aug. 22.

Louisville was one of those amazing success stories just a few years ago.

A little brother school in its own state, the Cardinals had had big success under John L. Smith and even bigger success under Bobby “the disingenuous drifter” Petrino.

When Petrino bolted for his ill-fated stint with the Falcons, the Cardinals brought in hot commodity Steve Kragthorpe from Tulsa.

And, as my intro said, his name has quickly become a verb.

No coach in the country is in more danger heading into this season, and I kind of have a feeling he won’t be able to save his job. And just for added pressure, Kragthorpe named himself offensive coordinator.

The Cardinals have only 10 starters back, only one of whom, reigning Big East Rookie of the Year running back Victor Anderson, merited extended mention in any preseason publication.

They also have to replace quarterback Hunter Cantwell, and none of the potential replacements have thrown a pass for Louisville.

The offensive line must replace three starters, but the wide receiver corps is in good shape, which might not matter if the Cardinals don’t find a quarterback.

Over the past two years the Cardinals’ only saving grace has been an ability to outscore opponents, but that doesn’t appear to be in the offing this year.

The defense has only five starters back and has its third defensive coordinator in three years.

This is not shaping up to be a good year in Louisville.

Here’s the schedule:

Sept. 5: Indiana State
They’ll be over .500 for a while, at least.

Sept. 19: at Kentucky
They’re staring a third straight loss to the Wildcats right in the face.

Sept. 26: at Utah
Utah won’t be quite as good this year, but they’ve got enough to win this one at home.

Oct. 2: Pittsburgh
Catching the Fightin’ Wannstaches napping is always possible, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

Oct. 10: Southern Miss
Renewing an old rivalry from the days of Independents and Conference USA. And they had better win this one if they hope to go bowling.

Oct. 17: at Connecticut
Another must-win, but the Huskies do have two wins in a row in this series.

Oct. 24: at Cincinnati
The Bearcats aren’t totally there talent-wise, but they’re much better coached than the Cardinals.

Oct. 31: Arkansas State
A respite from a long string of tough games.

Nov. 7: at West Virginia
These aren’t the Mountaineers we came to know and love, but they’ve got another year in them before it all goes to pot.

Nov. 14: Syracuse
If Kragthorpe isn’t fired or “resigned” already, a third straight loss to the awful, awful Orange will definitely do it. But they should win this one, and better win it, too.

Nov. 21: at South Florida
The Bulls are primed for a big year.

Nov. 28: Rutgers
As are the Scarlet Knights.

Pour out a 40 for our homey Kragthorpe, because I don’t see any way the Cards do better than 5-7. And it could be worse.