The 53-year-old coach inherits a squad that returns seven offensive starters but lost Bridgewater,Alex Anzalone Jersey, the Cardinals' No. 3 career passer. That's a huge priority as they join the ACC's Atlantic Division, which includes reigning national champion Florida State and its Heisman Trophy winning-quarterback, Jameis Winston.
Sophomore Will Gardner tops the Cardinals' depth chart after passing for 112 yards and two touchdowns early last season as Bridgewater's backup. But Petrino sidestepped calling him the front-runner and said that redshirt freshman Kyle Bolin and junior college transfer Brett Nelson would compete with him, even into fall practice.