Phil Steele thinks Louisville could surpass last year's win total

Phil Steele believes Jeff Brohm‘s first season with the Louisville Cardinals could prove even more fruitful than last season’s campaign.

While the ACC program was solid in 2022, Steele believes Brohm can top it during his first chance to lead the Cardinals, explaining that a lighter schedule and the amount of returning talent to the program are two key factors as to why.

“In 2018 UL fell from 8-5 to 2-10. In ’19 despite a first year HC, L’ville was at the top of my Stock Market Indicator at +6.5 (pg 32). The Cards were picked last in the Atlantic in ’19 but Satterfield did a great job and they beat an SEC team (Miss St) in the bowl to finish 8-5 and the 6 game turnaround was the largest of any Power 5 team,” wrote Steele. “L’ville did benefit from 3 net close wins (pg 24) and were -38 ypg in ACC play and dropped to 4-7 in ’20 despite out gaining 9 of their 11 foes (+75 pg!).

“In 2021 the signs were pointing up after -12 in TO’s (pg 30), with -4.4 Net Close Losses (pg 24) and they got back to a bowl at 6-6 with 3, 1 & 6 pt losses then lost the bowl to Air Force by 3. Last year they were off 3 Net Close losses and they were +87 pg in ACC play and made my Most Improved list. After a 2-3 start they went 6-2 down the stretch for a 8-5 finish, and a 24-7 bowl win over Cincy with Satterfield already at Cincy.

“Jeff Brohm inherits 13 returning starters and his best housewarming gift is the schedule as they avoid Clemson, NCar and Miami in ACC play. They do face ND and Kentucky in non conf but most of my 9 sets of power ratings are calling for an 8-4 regular season and they could top last year’s win total.”

Evidently, Steele isn’t a believer in growing pains, and thinks Brohm can hit the ground running with the Cardinals. He did a tremendous job with the Purdue Boilermakers over his time with the program, and it’ll be fascinating to see whether he can do the same in his next venture.

Regardless, Louisville is coming off a solid 2022 and it makes sense why Phil Steele sees them as potential ACC contenders in 2023, as the Cardinals are returning to their standard.