Before a landmark 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling struck down a nationwide ban, legal sports betting was largely confined to cavernous sportsbooks in Las Vegas casinos — enormous venues with floor-to-ceiling TV screens and glitzy, towering LED displays of the odds on sporting events the world over, and a raft of kiosks and tellers ready to take bets. Today, sportsbooks can be found in most U.S. states — not just in casinos but at ballparks, arenas and stadiums or through a phone app. Thirty-eight states have legalized sports betting in some fashion so far, and the reverberations are still being felt. Sports betting ads are ubiquitous. Leagues and media outlets once zealously opposed to sports gambling now partner with betting companies — and the revenues
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Heading into the 2024 season, the Louisville football program has some moderately high expectations. In his first season as the head coach, Jeff Brohm guided the Cardinals to 10-4 overall, which included their first appearance in the ACC Championship Game. Afterwards, Louisville was able to retain several impact players from that team for 2024, and brought in the top portal class in the nation.
But if the Cardinals are to make a return trip to Charlotte, they’re going to need a team-wide effort to get there. The proven veterans will have to keep playing at a high level, and the younger or relatively inexperiences players will have to take meaningful strides forward in their respective games.
With Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo off to the NFL, Louisville’s ground game is going to look much different than it did last season. While Maurice Turner and Donald Chaney Jr. are likely going to be the main running backs relied upon this season, don’t be surprised if Brown carves out a notable role by the end of the season. He had just 11 carries for 65 yards and touchdown last season as a true freshman, but has done a lot to transform his body this offseason. He’s lost weight while maintaining his physical rushing style, and developed an extra gear of speed because of it. In fact, running backs coach Chris Barclay went has far to say Brown had the best spring out of anyone at the position.
Honestly, you could make the case that Bell’s breakout season came last year. He hauled in 29 receptions for 407 yards, both of which were second on the team, as well as two touchdowns. However, along with every other receiver not named Jamari Thrash, he was very up-and-down last season. That being said, he could be in line for a very productive 2024. In the spring, his overall physique was vastly improved, and his route running took a huge step forward – which is big for someone who is already the most physical receiver on the roster. Plus, with Louisville bolstering their tight end room and making a perceived upgrade at quarterback, it will allow Bell (and every other wideout) a clearer path to efficiency and production.
While Louisville made a concerted effort to bolster the tight end room via the portal, Johnson – one of just three returners at the position for Louisville – could be an X-Factor on the offense if everything clicks for him. While he’ll have to content with Mark Redman and Jaleel Skinner at the top of the TE depth chart, watching him this past spring compared to last fall camp, it’s clear that he is much more comfortable than he was last year. After not playing last season, he’s become much more physical at the line of scrimmage, and his ball tracking skills have really come a long way. He’s got to continue becoming more consistent, especially with the fundamentals, but he is teeming with potential.
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