Sure they mean something, but they aren't the end all be all. They are part of the story, but not the main plot.
I think UK is better than Louisville this year. I think Louisvilles offense relies heavily on Jackson making something happen, that'll win you some games, but lose some too.
UK has the better QB, RB, WR's and probably O line. Defense's are probably closer to each other than offense is. That's my take and it could be wrong.
Better at QB? Bolin is every bit as good as Towles is and he only has 3 games experience. That is our backup. I'll take the 2 headed monster of Jackson and Bonnafon any day over Towles.
As far as RB goes UK better hope they get Boom Williams back. Without him they ran the ball against FCS EKU 36 times for 55 yards or 1.5 ypc.
WR is also a team strength of Louisville's. Especially if you include our 2 very talented TIght Ends. We are young but I bet Petrino would get a good chuckle if someone said UK's receivers as a group were better than Jamari Staples, Treveon Samuels, Devante Peete, James Quick and Jaylen Smith along with TEs Mickey Crum and Cole Hikutini. I'm not saying that UK doesn't have some nice looking receivers, they do but if you include the Tight Ends, It puts the Cards ahead IMO.
One thing you are right about is UKs offensive line is better than Louisville's although I was encouraged by their fight last week and wondering just how much better UK's O-line is after allowing 4 sacks against EKU and the team rushing for only 1.5 yards per carry.
On Defense UK has mostly been better than I thought they would be but I don't think this one is all that close. I don't think UK can match the talent of Rankins and Brown on the D-line, Kelsey and Burgess at LB and Harvey-Clemons, Williams, Wiggins and Washington in the secondary.