3. Antonio Watts, LB
The Cardinal linebacker has had a great season up to this point in the year. He has 30 total tackles, which ranks him seventh on the team, and he has two sacks to add to his resume. Watts’ biggest contribution has to be his passing defense as he leads the Cardinals in interceptions with three on the year. Watts doesn’t just stop there, as he can take the ball away from opponents on the ground as well, which is showcased in his one forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Shutting down California’s passing offense will be crucial early in the game, and it will be on Watts and the secondary to do so. With a total of 12 interceptions on the year, Louisville’s defense as a whole knows how to cause chaos.
This will start with Watts at all levels of play, and if he is able to tackle well, get in the backfield and create turnovers, there should be no issue stopping the California offense.