Athletic Cardinals have to get tougher in the trenches

                    

	Michael Bush Frank Vuich/SI Louisville 2005 Record 9-3 (5-2 Big East) Final AP Rank 19 Returning Starters 15 (8 offense, 7 defense) Last National Title None The Contenders Auburn Michigan Cal Nebraska Clemson Notre Dame Florida State Ohio State Georgia Tech South Carolina Iowa USC Louisville Utah Miami West Virginia

By Stewart Mandel, SI.com

Why Louisville can win it all: With the return of QB Brian Brohm, RB Michael Bush and WR Mario Urrutia, coach Bobby Petrino's offense will be among the most powerful in the nation. And the Cardinals' schedule sets up favorably. A win over Miami at home on Sept. 16 would give the Cards legitimacy, and Big East favorite West Virginia comes to town on Nov. 2.

What must fall into place: Louisville needs to develop a consistent pass rush, no small task after losing the nation's sack leader, Elvis Dumervil, and two other D-line starters. While Urrutia and Harry Douglas can be counted on among the receiving corps, some youngsters (Patrick Carter, Chris Vaughn) need to emerge as threats to make Petrino's four-receiver sets effective.

How it could go wrong: While the Cardinals have no shortage of speed and athleticism, they showed last year they can get beat up in the trenches, which happened in losses to South Florida and West Virginia. If the offensive line doesn't get tougher, some of the Big East's more physical defenses -- not to mention the Hurricanes -- will be able to tee off on Brohm and disrupt the offense.

Good omen: This year's national-title game will be played in Glendale, Ariz., just 20 miles from the site of Louisville's 34-7 victory over Alabama in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl.

Top Photo Galleries Rafael Nadal Through Time Did You See That? 100 Memorable Olympic Moments The NHL's Great Game 7s Best Players Without An NBA Title

Most Popular Stories Jessica Lucas; Jon Beason calls out Alex Smith for knocking Cam Newton: Hot Clicks Darren Eliot: Rangers-Devils Game 6 preview Jessica Rafalowski; Snoop Dogg Tebowed after throwing first pitch: Hot Clicks Dater & Muir: Debating hot Stanley Cup playoff topics Miami AD: Hurricanes remain 'committed to the ACC'