By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Looking back on the Louisville Cardinals’ 2014 season.

Summary — The Cardinals’ debut season in the ACC was an impressive one, an immediate validation of their ability to compete in their new league. Overall, Louisville finished the regular season at 9-3, with wins over the likes of Miami, Notre Dame and rival Kentucky. It very nearly was a year of even more acclaim, as the Cardinals lost to Virginia by two points, Clemson on a failed conversion at the goaline and held a 24-7 second half lead over Florida State. Though the Cardinals never settled on a quarterback, Louisville did finish sixth nationally in total defense. Safety Gerod Holliman recorded 14 interceptions, won the Jim Thorpe Award and was named a unanimous All-American. Bobby Petrino’s return resulted in the Cardinals spending much of the year in the national top 25.

Biggest Surprise — Entering 2014 without a single interception in his career, Gerod Holliman emerged as the nation’s top defensive playmaker by tying an NCAA record with 14 picks. He recorded eleven interceptions in conference play alone. Holliman added 44 tackles for good measure. College football hasn’t seen many season-long performances like what Holliman was able to do this past fall.

Biggest Disappointment — Louisville struggled in a 37-13 Belk Bowl loss to Georgia. After allowing just two teams to rush for over 151 yards in their last 18 games, the Cardinals gave up 266 yards rushing to Bulldog standout Nick Chubb in Charlotte. Albeit against an elite back, Louisville finished the season with an atypical defensive showing.

Stat of the Year — Holliman’s interceptions aside, opponents were just 4-of-16 on fourth down conversions against the Cardinals, making Louisville one of the game’s top four defenses in such situations.

Offensive MVP — DeVante Parker, WR
Defensive MVP — Gerold Holliman, S
Rising Star — Keith Kelsey, LB