With the stunning upsets, the team has missed a bowl game for the first time in a decade (since 1997).

The Cardinals finished the 2006 season with a 12–1 record, including a win in the Orange Bowl.

[9] Two days later, Steve Kragthorpe, former head coach for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, was hired for the position.

From the defense, tackle Amobi Okoye was taken tenth by Houston while cornerback, William Gay was taken in the fifth round by Pittsburgh.

Sources: Three Cardinal players were honored as part of pre-season watchlists for national awards.