OFFENSE

Charlie Strong made his name on defense, but he likes to attack with the subtlety of a punch in the chops, controlling the football on the ground. He asks his quarterback to throw medium-range balls effectively and places a premium on avoiding turnovers.

That formula worked in 2010 as the Cardinals finished first in the Big East in rushing and third in total offense. But Strong must work a new quarterback, new halfback and four new offensive linemen into the starting lineup, which makes the 2011 outlook as cloudy as it seemed a year ago.

Will Stein, a former walk-on, should get first call at quarterback. Strong loves his intangibles so much that he has nicknamed Stein “Brett Favre.” But Stein had better make plays; freshman Teddy Bridgewater arrives from Miami as Louisville’s most acclaimed quarterback recruit since Brian Brohm.

At tailback, look for Strong to replace Bilal Powell with two guys — Jeremy Wright and Victor Anderson. Wright is the speed guy. Anderson, who has battled injuries, is a better receiver. Neither will be as tough between the tackles as Powell.

Josh Bellamy has the ability to slip behind the secondary. Michaelee Harris and Stephan Robinson will push their way into the receiving lineup. Center Mario Benavides is the only returning starter on the offensive line.

DEFENSE

Strong loves the aggressiveness of his young defensive linemen, especially B.J. Butler and Brandon Dunn. He believes they could team with veteran defensive end Greg Scruggs to become the strength of this unit. Injuries are always a concern as Strong tries to rebuild Louisville’s numbers.

Linebacker is a work in progress. Dexter Heyman and Daniel Brown are tough, experienced guys who can run, but Brandon Heath, the unit’s leader in 2010, will be difficult to replace. Depth is a major issue. Preston Brown should contribute.

There is a reason Strong signed six defensive backs in his top-30 recruiting class. The Cardinals don’t return any proven cover corners. The absence of man-to-man experience will put pressure on the pass rush as well as the safeties. Of course, the safeties were the biggest questions on the team last season and they delivered. Strong safety Hakeem Smith led the team in tackles, and free safety Shenard Holton was second. They led a unit that was ninth in the nation in pass defense.

SPECIALISTS

Strong is not afraid to play freshmen, so look for members of his stellar recruiting class to push Anderson and Wright (kickoffs) and Bellamy (punts) for opportunities to return kicks. Chris Philpott made nearly 78 percent of his field goal attempts, including 4-of-7 from 40 yards or longer.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Odd-numbered seasons are the ones when the schedule tilts against the Cardinals. They’re on the road against Kentucky, North Carolina, West Virginia, Connecticut and South Florida (a spot where they have lost all four visits).

The key on offense will be the ability of either Stein or Bridgewater to make defenses respect the passing game, because the personnel isn’t there to duplicate the power running game that carried the 2010 team to a 7–6 record. The run defense should improve from seventh-best in the Big East, but Strong will have to rush two young cornerbacks into the rotation.

Louisville is clearly on the right track under Strong, but the Cardinals might take a step back in 2011 before taking a big leap in ’12.