The Louisville Cardinals are gearing up for another pivotal season under head coach Jeff Brohm. As spring practice begins, the team faces several key questions that will shape their performance in the upcoming year. Despite losing some key players, the Cardinals have brought in fresh talent through transfers and high school recruits. The focus this season will be on addressing weaknesses in both offensive and defensive units, particularly at quarterback, wide receiver, and the secondary.

Quarterback Transition and Offensive Strategy

Much of the attention this spring will center around the quarterback position. With Tyler Shough's departure, Miller Moss, a transfer from USC, is expected to take the reins. While Moss brings leadership and accuracy, his style may shift the offense's approach. The Cardinals must adapt their passing game to fit Moss's strengths while leveraging the talents of returning receivers Chris Bell and Caullin Lacy.

Moss's arrival signals a new chapter for Louisville's offense. His experience and leadership will be crucial, but questions remain about how his playing style will influence the team's overall strategy. Moss has demonstrated solid accuracy and poise, but he lacks the arm strength and extensive experience of previous starters like Shough and Jack Plummer. This could lead to adjustments in the vertical passing game, which thrived under Shough's powerful throws. Additionally, Moss was benched towards the end of his time at USC, raising concerns about consistency. However, his potential to lead and inspire the team cannot be overlooked. The coaching staff will need to find a balance between maximizing Moss's abilities and developing contingency plans with other quarterbacks like Deuce Adams and Mason Mims.

Building Depth and Addressing Defensive Vulnerabilities

Beyond the quarterback position, the Cardinals must build depth and address defensive vulnerabilities. Key areas of concern include the tight end and wide receiver positions, as well as the secondary. Returning All-ACC caliber receivers Chris Bell and Caullin Lacy provide a strong foundation, but the team needs more contributors to fully unlock the passing game's potential.

The defense, especially the secondary, faces significant challenges. Louisville lost several top cornerbacks and safeties, leaving a largely inexperienced group. The team has bolstered its roster through transfers, but these newcomers come from lower levels of competition, raising questions about their readiness. Meanwhile, the linebacking corps, led by T.J. Quinn and Stanquan Clark, excels in run stopping but needs improvement in pass coverage. Strengthening these areas will be critical for the Cardinals to achieve their goals in the upcoming season. The success of the defense will hinge on integrating new talent and refining existing skills during spring practice. If the team can address these issues effectively, they stand a better chance of competing at a high level in the ACC.