3. Michael Bush, RB - 2006
Stat Line: 17 Rushing Attempts, 128 Rushing Yards, 3 Touchdowns
This performance should come with an asterisk, as the potential for additional production was tragically cut short. Bush was entering his senior and final season as a Louisville Cardinal with high hopes and expectations, being a Louisville native, but his time was unfortunately cut short due to a devastating injury.
Bush’s performance and Louisville's dominating 59-28 win over the cross-state rivals Kentucky gave a considerable head start to what would become one of Louisville's most memorable seasons. Led by the star QB, current Louisville offensive coordinator and Louisville native as well, Brian Brohm, Louisville would finish the season 12-1, which included a win in the Orange Bowl against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
Had it not been for a disappointing loss against Rutgers late in the season, this Cardinals squad could have played its way into the BCS National Championship game—a memorable season nonetheless for the Cardinals and one that genuinely put the Cardinals into the national spotlight.
Related: 5 Louisville football players that will make or break the Cardinals' 2025 season