FanPost

5 Reasons Why Louisville Football Will Survive and Thrive Without Bridgewater

Louisville football is going through drastic changes this season. While losing Teddy Bridgewater is a major blow to the program (known for handing out more bailouts than the government), do not fear. Perhaps a fresh start is all the team needs. A new conference, coach, and quarterback are sure to shake things up for the players, coaching staff, and fans alike. With that said - here are 5 reasons why Louisville football will survive, and hopefully thrive, without Teddy Bridgewater.

1. The Fans

The Cardinal fan-base has developed a bit of a reputation around the country as a passionate and enthusiastic group. Last season fans came out in droves to watch the Cardinals smash AAC teams (e.g. Louisville vs Florida International: 72 – 0). Now that the Cards are in the ACC, playing more evenly matched opponents, the crowd is surely to be as hyped as ever.

Also, fans should have plenty to cheer for this season. Petrino is an offensive mastermind. Louisville is almost guaranteed to be putting up big numbers every game, something the fans deserve to see.

*Regardless of what you may of heard about ACC regulations not permitting the sale of alcohol…the beers will be a’ flowin’ at Cardinal Stadium come game day.

2. Bobby Petrino

Bobby Petrino and Lebron James share something in common. They are coming home, so to speak. Much like James, when Petrino left Louisville in 2006, fans were outraged. Louisville football was built up, only to have it come crashing back down. However, I think it’s safe to say enough time has passed and fans are ready to welcome him back.

Let’s not forget that Petrino put Louisville football on the map. He led the Cardinals to 11 wins in 2004 and 12 wins in 2006 – just the second and third times Louisville won as many as 11 games in a season. In four seasons Petrino went 41-9 as head coach, the best winning percentage of any head coach in Louisville football history. He also led the Cardinals to win the Big East Championship and Orange Bowl in 2006, the school’s first appearance in a BCS bowl game.

*With this being his first season back, he sure set the bar high. During the unveiling of the "blackout" uniforms, Petrino stated that, "Our goal, just so you know, is to win a national championship here at the University of Louisville!"

3. Will Gardner

Planted in the shadow of Teddy Bridgewater for two years was a kid from rural Georgia named Will Gardner. At 6-foot-5, 226 pounds, and equipped with a big arm, Gardner has the ability to step into the limelight as starting quarterback for the Cardinals.

Gardner’s scrutiny of the team, attention to detail, and selfless leadership has garnered him praise from the coaching staff and teammates alike. Bridgewater was quoted saying that Gardner makes the leap to starting quarterback "look natural." And Lorenzo Mauldin, senior linebacker, stated, "You can tell he wants to step up and be a leader of the offense and of the team as a whole.

One thing Gardner does not have going for him: experience. He rarely saw game time last season, throwing only 12 passes. Gardner seems ready to tackle the challenges ahead, but how he handles the game atmosphere is sure to be the deciding factor.

4. Todd Grantham – Defensive Coordinator

The name might not ring a bell. But within the football coaching community the name is all too familiar. Todd Grantham is widely regarded as one of the best defensive coordinators in the country. He comes to Louisville after four seasons as Georgia’s defensive coordinator, a school widely recognized for its defensive prowess.

Grantham’s career spans nearly 25 years, with defensive coaching positions held at the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts to name a few. He has obviously been around the block…well mainly because he designed the block, but that’s neither here nor there.

Everyone knows, defense wins championships. The introduction of Grantham is sure to inject a synthesis of energy into the defensive pulse; in turn making the offenses job easier and hopefully alleviating fans of the Bridgewater Blues.

Petrino remarked that, "Getting a coach like Todd Grantham on our staff says a lot about our program."

5. Key Recruits and Returning Players

Louisville’s current roster lists 39 new freshmen joining the team alongside returning players, including 8 offensive and 4 defensive starters from last season. With about 50% of the team made up of juniors and seniors (24 juniors, 25 seniors), there is a vast amount of experience and skill to go around. This is something that may need to compensate for the rookie, Will Gardner, as he finds his way into the starting quarterback position.

While no freshmen will be starting, the lessons they learn on the sidelines from this experienced team can only propel them forward and ensure football seasons to come will flourish.

Louisville running back Dominique Brown is back for another season of trucking over defenders, as well as corner back Charles Gaines and defensive end Lorenzo Mauldin.