Louisville Football 2022 Season Prediction, Preview, Awards, Bowl Game 2022

Louisville Football has a playful quarterback and reinforcements via the transfer portal. Will Scott Satterfield take his team to new heights?

All eyes in the ACC may be on Clemson and Miami, but there is one team waiting in the wings hoping to shake things up in the conference title race.

The Lousiville Cardinals have challenged opponents in 2021. The next step is to dish out some surprises and prove they’re on the up.

The Cardinals come into the season ranked 43rd Fan Page Top 50 Preseason Ranking.

Can you prove that’s too low?

Louisville Football Season 2021 in Review

After a disappointing 2020 season, Lousiville returned to bowl eligibility in 2021 with a 6-6 regular season record. It certainly could have been better as the Cardinals lost several close games, including angry bids on Wake Forest and Clemson, each losing in single digits.

Five of the team’s seven losses went to ranked rosters, but a blowout loss to Kentucky and a bowl game loss to the Air Force were not an ideal way to end the season.

Louisville Cardinals offense preview for the 2022 season

Returners (7): QB Malik Cunningham, RB Tiyon Evans, TE Marshon Ford, RG Adonis Boone, LG Caleb Chandler, RT Renato Brown, LT Trevor Reid
Notable newcomers: RB Tiyon Evans (Tennessee), WR Tyler Hudson (Central Arkansas), C Bryan Hudson (Virginia Tech)
striker: Malik Cunningham

Malik Cunningham is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the ACC and he will have a packed offensive line coming up. Caleb Chandler was an All-ACC first-team pick at left back last year. He’s back to lead an experienced group of returning starters that has only gotten stronger with Bryan Hudson, traded from Virginia Tech, taking care of the center position.

A return line like this should be music to the ears of the running back room, who added Tennessee transfer Tiyon Evans and returns a load of depth.

The receiving corps was rebuilt with FCS star Tyler Hudson and Miami’s Dee Wiggins joining standout freshman Ahmari Huggins-Bruce. Hudson was extremely productive in Central Arkansas and was to make an immediate impact. Tight end Marshon Ford should also give Cunningham a nice familiar security blanket.

Louisville Cardinals defense preview for the 2022 season

Returners (7): DE Yaya Diaby, DE Ashton Gillotte, LB Yasir Abdullah, CB Kei’trel Clark, CB Quincy Riley, FS Kenderick Duncan
Notable newcomers: NT Jermayne Lole (Arizona St.), LB Momo Sanogo (Ole Miss), LB Nicario Harper (Jacksonville St.), DB Quincy Riley (MTSU), DB Jalen Alexander (Duke), DB Jarvis Brownlee (Florida St.), MJ Griffin (Temple), Jayden Williams (USC)
striker: Ke’trel Clark

The Cardinals lost their two leading tacklers from last season, but the starters they’re bringing back and the influx of transfers could make this defense impressive.

Yasir Abdullah led the team with 10 sacks and should give the opposing OCs plenty to think about, especially with Ashton Gillotte on the line after a brilliant freshman season and Arizona State’s Jermayne Lole transfer plugging holes at NT.

The linebacker corps also received a boost from Ole Miss transfer Momo Sanogo and Jacksonville State’s Nicario Harper, who will flank middle linebacker Monty Montgomery on his return from a season-ending injury. Harper was an FCS All-American.

The secondary has top cornerback Kei’trel Clark to draw from, along with an influx of transfers that will add depth significantly.

Louisville Football Players Awards clock for the 2022 season

The Cardinals have five players on the preseason national honors watchlist.

Yasir Abdullah, Bednarik

The defensive end was second-team All-ACC last year and will be looking to make a name for himself this year.

Caleb Chandler, Lombardi/Outland

The standout offensive lineman could draw a lot of attention from prize voters as a returning first-team All-ACC pick.

Kei’Trel Clark, Thorpe

Clark missed last year through injury but if he’s healthy he’s one of the best in the ACC and he’ll be looking to prove it.

Malik Cunningham, Camp/Maxwell

The dual-threat quarterback had 1,034 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground in 2021 while maintaining his 150.38 passer rating with 2,941 yards and 19 touchdowns through the air. He is certainly a contender for major national awards.

Marshon Ford, Mackey

Ford led the Cardinals in 550 yards last year. He will want more.

The Louisville Cardinals’ biggest game on the 2022 schedule

All roads to the ACC title pass through Clemson, so Game No. 12 at Death Valley could be crucial for the Cardinals if they intend to make a run in 2022.

Louisville Football Best Case Scenario

Cunningham could absolutely go wild in the ACC with transfers like Evans and the two Hudsons, taking the offense to the next level. Meanwhile, the defense has a skilled pass rusher and a shutdown corner that lay the foundation for more success.

Given the experience and depth available, the Cardinals could be a surprising contender for the ACC Championship.

Louisville Football Worst Case Scenario

Satterfield’s third season in charge was promising because his team played so tight against everyone, but they still had a 6-7 record.

Cunningham may have hit his ceiling while transfers may not have hit the ground running.

A step back is possible given that Louisville is out of bowl eligibility.

Louisville Football Season Prediction 2022

Satterfield is a good manager and there are playmakers in this squad. The biggest issue is the strength of other teams in the ACC, with Clemson, NC State, Wake Forest, Florida State and Boston College all earning votes to win the Atlantic Division. The cardinals received none.

Louisville will make it very difficult for anyone who plays them and there are compelling reasons to expect they will take a step forward instead of backwards this year. Will this move be as drastic as an ACC title? Probably not.

Look for a successful season with a 7-5 regular season record and hopes of an entertaining bowl win.

Louisville Football 2022 Bowl Match Prediction

Bill Bender of Sporting News Projects the Cardinals land in the Pinstripe Bowl against Purdue.

Next: No. 42: Boston College Eagles

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