Bobby Petrino’s first stint as Louisville’s head coach was highly successful, as he led the Cardinals to a 41-9 record and four consecutive bowl appearances from 2003-2006. He returned to coach the Cards in 2014 and in two seasons has guided the program to a 17-9 record and two bowl appearances – the Belk Bowl in 2014 and the Music City Bowl in 2015. With 18 returning starters from a team that went 8-2 in its final 10 games of 2015, Petrino’s 2016 Louisville squad could be one of his better teams.
Louisville’s defense features three 2016 Preseason All-ACC selections, while sophomore dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson leads the offense.
UVA and Louisville have had tight contests each of the past two years, with the Hoos defeating the Cardinals, 23-21, in Scott Stadium in 2014. In 2015, the teams were tied at 24 in the fourth quarter before Louisville pulled away to secure a 38-31 victory. This season’s matchup will be the final game of a key 3-game home stretch for Virginia.
Louisville Peek
- Head Coach (record at school): Bobby Petrino (17-9 in second stint at UL)
- 2015 Record: 8-5
- Offense 2015 Total Yards Game:416.1
- Offense 2015 Points/Game:28.7
- Defense 2015 Total Yards/Game:332.8
- Defense 2015 Points/Game:24.1
What To Expect On Game Day
Offense:
Jackson threw for 1,840 yards and rushed for 960 more as a freshman last season. He’ll be joined in the offensive backfield by junior tailback Brandon Radcliff, who was the team’s second-leading rusher a year ago. Starting receivers James Quick and Jamari Staples are back, with Quick looking to build off a 2015 campaign in which he led the Cardinals in receiving. Former quarterback Reggie Bonnafon will move to receiver, adding to what could be a deep position for the Cardinals.
In addition to a wealth of skill position talent, Louisville returns four of five starters on the offensive line from a year ago. UVA’s defensive line certainly will be tested here, and the challenge comes one week after the Hoos face another quality offensive line from UNC.
Defense:
Louisville’s defense lost lineman Sheldon Rankins, a first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, but returns three of four starting linebackers and all four starting defensive backs from a year ago. Defensive tackle DeAngelo Brown, linebacker Keith Kelsey, and linebacker Devonte Fields are the Preseason All-ACC selections. Another key player in this defense is Josh Harvey-Clemons, a 6’5″ safety who headlines an experienced secondary.
Todd Grantham’s 3-4 defense made a lot of plays in 2015, racking up 37 sacks and 17 interceptions in 2016.
Special Teams:
Louisville’s offense and defense look solid, but there are questions on the Special Teams unit as the Cardinals will be looking to replace its starting placekicker and punter.
