The past two years at the ACC Media Days the Cardinals garnered quite a bit of attention being the new kids on the block. They brought with them a reputation of a program on the rise and one that was going to give their very best every time they hit the field, and they had to go out and prove that in year one and two.

On Thursday they will make their third appearance at the event and this time our Cardinals will bring with them a proven identity. An identity developed from going out and competing at the highest level with every ACC football program they’ve played against since being in the conference.

The Cardinals did more than prove they belonged in year one and two. They proved they could contend. I don’t think the players or the coaches considered the past couple of years a transition or really thought about it that much. They went out on the field and performed trying to be the best football team on that day.

As a fan I have really enjoyed the transition and have enjoyed getting to watch my Cardinals play and get wins in great venues like Notre Dame Stadium. I also have enjoyed watching them go toe-to-toe with the elites of the ACC. I’m looking forward to another great year in the ACC and looking forward to seeing my Cards take another step up in the hierarchy.

Here are the top questions I think the media will have for our Cardinals over the next few days:

#1 What about that starting QB?

Coach Petrino has started the past two seasons with all of his guys on an equal playing field and there were no leaders for the position. He didn’t have them ranked and was looking forward to watching them compete for the starting job. After the Cardinals started 0-3 last season Coach Petrino finally settled on Lamar Jackson as his starter but even changed that up in the last game of the regular season. Jackson had the top 3 rushing games in ACC history last season. Will the Louisville offense be built around him and his ability this season?

#2 Are the Cardinals poised for a breakout ACC season?

Unlike the first two seasons in the ACC they only lost seven starters in the off season. Two on offense in T Aaron Epps and G Skylar Lacy, three on defense in DEs Rankins, and Pio Vatuvei and ILB James Burgess as well as PK John Wallace and P Ryan Johnson. Will returning nine starters on offense and eight players on defense help the Cardinals be consistent enough to take the next step in the league and help them compete for an ACC Title?

#3 Can the Cardinals and Coach Petrino top their 9 win ceiling?

It’s going to be a little different this season for our Cardinals. They will go from being the hunter to the hunted. The ACC has been put on notice and they know what they are up against now. With one of the best offensive players in the league in Lamar Jackson and defensive players in Devonte Fields can they compete and beat the ACC elite?

#4 Are there any key injuries/issues heading into Fall camp?

Coach Petrino has said that everyone should be healthy and ready to go by August. We may get another update this week.

#5 Can the Cardinals offensive line take the next step?

Last season the Cardinals had one of the youngest offensive lines in the league. Three of the five starters return this season led by Geron Christian, Lukayus McNeil and Tobijah Hughley. They also have guys poised to step up like Toriano Roundtree. These are some big, tough guys. And keep an eye out on the Roundtree kid he is going to be a beast. Coach Klenakis deserves a lot of credit for the work he has done with them. They sure looked the part this spring. Can they carry some of that positive momentum they had when the season ended at the Music City Bowl into this season?

It should be an informative few days, and if you are craving football like I am then you’ll want to tune into the festivities over the next few days. Here’s how: