By Whitney Spencer
As college football fans across the country anxiously await another exciting season of action, the University of Louisville football team will open its third season under head coach Steve Kragthorpe. The Cardinals kick off the 2009 season against Indiana State University on Sept. 5 at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
After a disappointing 5-7 finish last season, the Cards are looking forward to getting off to a good start at home. With the talent that the Cards have returning, that shouldn’t be a problem, especially against an Indiana State team that is coming off an 0-12 finish last season.
Indiana State head coach Trent Miles will begin his second year at the helm of a team that is poised for a complete turnaround. Although their defense was ranked as the ninth best passing defense, the Sycamores were ranked in the bottom of every offensive category last season. Returning 21 starters, 10 on offense, will be beneficial as they travel to face the Cards.
Indiana State’s weapon could come in their running game. Junior Darrius Gates is returning and should be a spark out of the backfield. He finished with 566 rushing yards and 131 receiving yards. Gates is poised to have a breakout game as he ended last season with a 237-yard performance in their final game. Louisville’s new defense will be put to the test immediately.
Offensively, Louisville will need to be sharp, as Indiana State has returned all of their starters from a year ago that made a positive impact on the field. Their defensive line will be anchored by a senior defensive end who is known for pressuring the quarterback. With the uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Cardinal offensive line will need to be alert.
The Cards are not the only team with a quarterback quandary. The Sycamores played a rotation of four quarterbacks last season and only one is returning. Sophomore Matt Seliger completed nine of 27 passes, for 39 yards all season. A transfer from Wyoming has had much of the preseason attention for Indiana State. Chris Stutzriem stands at 6-foot-4, 250-pounds and has had plenty of experience in the position.
As Sept. 5 draws near and the Cards prepare for Indiana State, fans need to prepare for another season of Cardinal Football. Hopefully, this season has a better start than the last.
