Among college football analysts, Phil Steele is considered one the best.
So when he says the University of Louisville was on course to play in the national championship game in 2007, they were.
When former head coach Howard Schnellenberger got UofL’s program turned around, he said the Cardinals were on a collison course for the National Championship. The 2006 season was probably that year. despite losing tar running back Michael Bush to injury and quarterback Brian Brohm for two games, they blew a 25-7 lead vs. Rutgers or they would have played in the national title game. Then head coach Bobby Petrino left for the NFL and the next three years, U of L failed to have a winning record under Steve Kragthorpe, despite entering 2007 ranked No. 10.
Steele is out with his pre-season analysis of Louisville, and he has good things to say, predicting continued improvement under Charlie Strong’s direction.