The Thin Red Line

Louisville (’98: 7-5, 4-2 C-USA)

The Plot

Everyone knows Louisville can move the ball and put points on the scoreboard. With Chris Redman at the helm, the Cardinals led the nation in total offense at 559.6. They scored 42.9 points per game. Trouble is, the defense allowed 35.2 points right back. Louisville returns 10 defenders who started last season. However, those guys couldn't stop anybody in '98. If they can find a way to stop teams in '99, the Cards are the favorites to win their first conference championship since 1972.

The Director

John L. Smith -- Second season, 7-5; 76-44 overall.

Starring

QB Chris Redman -- How many different ways can you say high-powered offense? Here's another: Redman threw four or more touchdown passes in five of his 10 regular-season games.
WR Arnold Jackson -- Caught 90 passes in '98 and is a threat to reach triple digits this time around.

Co-Starring

TE Ibn Green -- No tight end in the nation has caught more passes, more touchdowns or has more yards. Playing with Redman will do that for you.
CB Antonio Roundtree -- The key man on the Cards defense. Batted down 14 balls last season, but teams won't challenge him as much in '99.
DT Mike Gantous -- An imposing front-line figure. The lone 300-pounder has to help strengthen the porous run defense (108th in 1998).

And introducing

RB Eric Lockhart -- The tailback is an important part of the Cards' offense. Even with all the passing, LeRoy Collins had 1,134 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns last season. With Collins gone, Lockhart, a junior college transfer, will get plenty of chances.

Why it will work

The Cardinals' toughest game -- Nov. 20 against Southern Miss -- is at home and Redman will throw every other conference rival out of the building.

Why it won't

The defense can't stop anybody again and Southern Miss continues to put the clamps on Redman.

Our critics' review

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