Strong Eases into Second Season
March 01, 2011 | Football
March 1, 2011
Louisville, Ky. -
University of Louisville head football coach Charlie Strong gave www.UofLSports.com a sneak peek into 2011 Spring Practice on Tuesday in the Howard Schellenberger Football Complex. For 35 minutes, Strong previewed spring practice for the Cardinals, who are coming off a 7-6 season, including a win in the Beef O'Brady's Bowl last December.
Louisville returns just four starters on offense that averaged 26.4 points per game and 369.0 yards of total offense a year ago., and has a number of questions and concerns heading into spring practice in March. Louisville brings backs wide receiver Josh Bellamy, center Mario Benavides, tight end Josh Chichester and wide receiver Andrell Smith as the lone starters from a year ago. Look for offensive coordinator Mike Sanford to try different ways to move the football this spring because of the youth and uncertainty on the offensive line and at quarterback.
On defense, Louisville had one of the most surprising units in the nation last season, finishing 14th in total defense, ninth in passing defense and 18th in scoring defense, and that was with limited experience returning. Defensively, Louisville allowed over 300 yards of total offense just five times all season and had a string where they hadn't allowed more than 300 yards in five straight games. Heading into 2011, Louisville returns seven starters on defense, but has to replace two starting cornerbacks and one of the team's top linebackers.
The Cardinals will open up spring practice on March 23. Louisville also practice on March 25-26, March 28, March 30, April 1-2, April 4, April 6, April 8-9, April 11, April 13-14. The Spring Game is slated for April 15 at 7:00 p.m.
