By Jackson Schroeder
SouthernPigskin.com

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Louisville is an ACC title contender

Entering their third year in the ACC, the Louisville Cardinals look to get back to championship football. Louisville has a plethora of returning starters. With a few slight adjustments and a bit of luck, Bobby Petrino and his Cardinals could find themselves beating out Clemson and Florida State for the ACC Atlantic Division title.

Keys for Offensive Success

True sophomore and returning starter, Lamar Jackson, looks to be the difference-maker on offense. The talented young quarterback showed enormous growth throughout the 2015 season. He topped off his freshman year throwing for 227 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 226 yards and two scores in the Cardinals’ win over Texas A&M in the Music City Bowl. He struggled with passing efficiency, only completing 54.6% of his throws, but that may have been due to a young, struggling offensive line. His spring game numbers demonstrated his off-season improvement, as he completed 24-of-29 passes and threw for eight touchdowns, seven in the first half.

Veteran wide receivers Jamari Staples and James Quick make Jacksons job a lot easier. Staples had 638 yards and three touchdowns receiving in 2015. His speed makes him the likely deep threat. Quick finished last season with 624 yards and five touchdowns receiving. He is a talented leader on offense and will fit well into his role as the primary slot receiver.

The offensive line returns three starters, with much emphasis on sophomore tackles Geron Christian and Lukayus McNeil. All three top running backs from a year ago, Brandon Radcliff, Jeremy Smith and L.J. Scott, return.

Inexperience is no longer the offensive theme. Improvement relies on the growing maturity of the aforementioned players.

Keys for Defensive Success

Eight returning starters on defense also gives coordinator Todd Grantham a number of proven veterans to work with.

The secondary is led by star safety Josh Harvey-Clemons who had 88 tackles and three interceptions in 2015. Shaq Wiggins and Trumaine Washington serve as a strong cornerback duo.

Devonte’ Fields serves as the best defensive playmaker for the Cardinals and debatably the best in college football. Fields finished third in the nation with 22.5 tackles for loss last season. Linebacker Keith Kelsey had 107 tackles this past fall and looks to lead this seasoned-squad of middle-of-the-field defenders. Junior Stacy Thomas is entering his first season as a starter but has the potential to be a standout player.

Tackle DeAngelo Brown is a hard-hitting line-stuffer at 308 pounds. The biggest questions lie in defensive ends Drew Bailey and Johnny Richardson, who are debuting as starters. If they can quickly adapt and learn to contain, that would complete a talented defensive

squad.

Overall Keys for Success

The Cardinals face a daunting opening to the season, facing Clemson (away) and Florida State (home) in their first five games. A tough November trip to Houston also awaits Louisville.

In order for Petrino to get his Louisville squad ready to compete for the ACC championship, he needs to get them to cut down on turnovers. The Cardinals threw 15 interceptions and lost 12-of-27 fumbles in 2015. Many mistakes were likely due to youth, meaning better decision-making should be expected.

The offensive line also needs to improve. Much pressure is on returning sophomore tackles Christian and McNeil. A year ago, the unit allowed 44 sacks. Better play would accelerate Jackson’s development as a pocket passer.

In summation, Louisville needs to win the big game. The Cardinals have lost seven-straight to ranked opponents. If they can knock off Florida State on September 17th, that would serve as a powerful foundation that would help to catapult them into a successful 2016.