Head Coach: Bobby Petrino
2003 Record: 9-4

Team MVP: Stefan Lefors, quarterback. Last season, LeFors proved he could pilot the offense as he passed for 3145 yards and 17 touchdowns. Not only as he a solid passer, but he showed that he could run to keep drives alive. His mobility will help offset losses on the offensive line.

Quarterback: The Cardinals have potentially one of the best quarterback units in the country. Starter Stefan LeFors is a solid starter and can run or pass for yardage. Last season, he passed for 3145 yards and 17 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. Michael Bush can step in at quarterback if needed. Bush would bring a different dimension to the Louisville offense if he started at quarterback. Also, one of the top quarterback recruits in the country, Brian Brohm committed and could push for playing time.

Running Back/Fullbacks: Between Eric Shelton and Lionel Gates, the Cardinals have two power backs who can bust the long touchdown run at any point.Shelton is a Florida State transfer and will get the start. Don’t be surprised to see Michael Bush get time at running back. Overall, a very solid unit for this Cardinals offense.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Like the other positions on the offense, the wide receivers are set for a big season. Returning are Joshua Tinch, Broderick Clark and J.R. Russell. Last season, Russell led the team with 75 receptions and eight receiving touchdowns. Tinch and Clark are both talented receivers and could catch 30 plus passes in 2004. The only question mark with this unit would be the tight ends. Losing Ronnie Ghent is a big blow and a capable replacement must be found.

Offensive Line: With the mobile Stefan LeFors starting at quarterback, the offensive line shouldn’t give up many sacks. However, during Dave Ragone’s senior season, the line was horrible and didn’t have any time to throw. Last season, this unit improved tremendously, but loses two starters. The players stepping in aren’t new players and should provide a capable replacement. Look for the line to continue overall solid play and if the unit struggles, LeFors can run them out of situations.

Defensive Line: With the return of Marcus Jones, who tallied ten sacks last season, look for the line to get plenty of pass rush. Also returning will be Bobby Leffew and Montavious Stanley. The defense struggled towards the end of last season and that has to change in 2004. Jones will provide a much needed pass rush, but the rest of the linemen must step up.

Linebackers: Two starters will return from last season’s unit. Robert McCune tallied 143 tackles and he was followed by Brandon Johnson with 50 tackles. Both players return in 2004 and should anchor a solid group at linebacker.

Secondary: The secondary should be one of the most talented units on the defensive side. Antoine Harris is the top returning cornerback, and plenty of young talent will be pushing safeties Brent Johnson and Kerry Rhodes for playing time. Brent Johnson finished second on the team with 116 tackles last season and should continue his solid play. Look for the Cardinals secondary to only get better in 2004.

Special Teams: The loss of kicker Nate Smith leaves a void at the position. He wasn’t the most accurate kicker in the conference, but was solid. Punter Brent Moody returns after averaging 39.6 yards last season. He could add a few more yards to his punts, but overall not a bad season. Expect Broderick Clark to have a big season on kickoff returns.

Final Thoughts: Conference USA should be one of the most interesting races all season long. Memphis, Louisville, TCU and Southern Mississippi all have a realistic chance at winning the title. Memphis and Louisville could have the biggest showdown of the season when they hookup in November. That game could determine the title and which team represents the conference in the Liberty Bowl. Also, the Cardinals have a tough road a game against Miami on Thursday night. Don’t be surprised to see the Cardinals hang tough with the Hurricanes. The Cardinals begin the season as the Conference USA favorite.

-- Steve Lassan