Louisville football's biggest X-factor next season isn't Isaac Brown or Miller Moss

 Louisville football will be led by the preseason All-American, Isaac Brown, and their biggest transfer addition, Miller Moss. The elite running back shattered multiple program records last season while earning ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year, and a spot on the All-ACC Second Team.

Brown is expected to be one of the best running backs in the nation next season and guide this program to their first ACC Title. Louisville will have explosive weapons on the outside in Chris Bell and Caullin Lacy, but it is no secret that Jeff Brohm's blueprint is to make Brown their main guy.

A player fans and media can't forget about is the Cardinals' other returning star running back, Duke Watson. While Brown receives all the attention, it's great to see NCAAF Nation giving Watson much-needed praise in a recent post.

Louisville football's biggest X-factor next season isn't Isaac Brown or Miller Moss

Watson ran for 597 yards last season on just 67 carries, earning him an impressive 8.9 yards per carry. Fans need to realize how crucial Watson is to the Cardinals' run game, as he will help open up the passing game for Brown, Miller Moss, and the rest of the team.

Last season, his 8.9 yards per carry led all rushers with at least 50 rushes. He is a former 4-star recruit and has the potential for an even bigger breakout season. Brown and Watson are expected to be one of the best running back duos in the nation, as they were just recently ranked No. 4 by Pro Football Focus.

NCAAF Nation shined a bright light on Watson in a recent post, and it was needed. The running back flies under the radar of the national media, but the Cardinals faithful know just how special this running back is.

Related: Isaac Brown and Duke Watson join elite company fueling Louisville football buzz

The Cardinals currently have the third-best odds to win the ACC, and they are starting to receive more recognition. Watson is emerging as the Cardinals' glaring offseason X-factor next season. Brown is going to get his touches, and Moss and the wide receivers will hopefully live up to their expectations, making Watson that secret weapon who can open it all up for everyone.

Watson was able to run 50 yards or more in six games, 80 yards or more in four games, and 100 yards or more in two games last season. His best performance came against Stanford, where he ran for 117 yards and three touchdowns, including a 68-yard touchdown, which was his longest run of the season.

If Louisville wants its offense to be as explosive as fans and media think it can be, then Watson is their X-factor. Watson must go on the field and put up numbers similar to last year, so the defense is just as afraid of him, and they can't take any plays off.

Related: 5 Louisville football players who will be rewarded for staying with Jeff Brohm

For all the latest on Louisville football's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.