The Sugar Bowl. As someone who has followed Louisville Football since the beginning of my conscious life the gravity of a bowl game like the Sugar Bowl is not lost on me. I attended games at Old Cardinal Stadium where announced attendance HAD to have been a significant fraction of the actual total. Before Howard Schellenberger arrived there was realistic discussions about disbanding the football program and tickets could be picked up at gas stations around town for the low-low price of FREE. Now, the Cards are an incoming member of the ACC and have Fiesta & Orange Bowl wins to their credit. Whether or not the Cards beat the Gators or not the long journey to building a top football power isn’t over, it’s never over. But there is still some respect to be earned.
Louisville as a community, school, and athletics programs has long been an underdog and always lacked respect. The South calls us Northern, the Midwest calls us the South. Nationally the metropolitan area is still grouped in with rural Kentucky. Louisville has its own identity. It can’t be defined by a general label, after all, it does have about 50 different pronunciations. Lewis & Clark started their expedition here, Thomas Edison lit the Southern Exposition with his incandescent light bulb here, we’ve given you the Louisville Slugger, The Kentucky Derby, Papa John’s Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s, Pizza Hut, Texas Roadhouse. I challenge you to attempt to stock your bar without a Brown-Forman product or Bourbon from the area or to ship a package without it traveling through the UPS Worldport. While this city is enabling your vices of food and drink health care giant Humana operates within our boundaries and will make sure you are covered when your cholesterol gets too high or if you need a new liver. In pop culture hotties like Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Carpenter, and Nicole Scherzinger call Louisville home, as do literary giants like Hunter S. Thompson, Sue Grafton, & Stephen Gaghan as well as news sensation Diane Sawyer and band My Morning Jacket. I’m really just scratching the surface here……I could go on, like 90% of disco balls are made in town but I’ll move on.
The University of Louisville and its Athletics Department are similarly distinguished. The school developed the first civilian ambulance, the first emergency room (ER), developed a vaccine for cervical cancer, created & performed the first ever artificial heart transplant surgery, the first successful hand transplantation, and developed the Pap Smear test. That goes along with their nationally ranked Neurology & Spinal Cord Research Programs, and Melanoma Clinic. And I didn’t even mention an academic program. In athletics the supporters are mostly comprised within the confines of Jefferson County. Even then, the Cards can lay claim to little over 50% of that population and yet, the University has still accomplished whatever has been placed in front of them.
Louisville being big underdogs & disrespected by the national media in the Sugar Bowl is nothing new. Cardinal Fans understand the history and tradition of a school like Florida. But this community and school has always been an underdog and discounted, but helmets and tradition don’t play football games. Players do and tradition doesn’t help you inside the lines. No one understood that better than perhaps two of the greatest Louisville Sports Icons in Johnny Unitas & Muhammad Ali. Unitas came from humble beginnings and Ali was the underdog against Sonny Liston & George Foreman. Unitas & Ali couldn’t be more different in terms of personality, but couldn’t be more of the same by silencing their critics by their performances. As a town we do NOT lack conviction. A lot of people have told the city and its inhabitants that things are not possible. Keep telling us we can’t do something. We’ll just keep on proving you wrong. We don’t need for you to recognize how great we are, but a thank you might be nice.
Louisville could hold most recent victory over all major college football programs in Florida with a win: Florida International (2012), Florida Atlantic (2005), Florida State (2002), Miami (2006), South Florida (2012), Tampa (1972). Florida and Louisville have met on the gridiron just twice both in Gainesville in 1980 & 1982. The Cards lost by 13 & 14 points respectively way back when. I would have to go through STACKS of media guides to find out if any other school could make that claim, but I’ll wait and save myself sometime until after the game (just in case).
Gator Fans & National Pundits have sent their requisite disrespect over to the Cards since the pairings have been announced. Florida has struggled to sell their allotment to the game and judging by the fan comments in the linked article Gator Nation doesn’t think much of the Cardinals. CBS doesn’t have a single analyst picking Louisville.
And then there is this video of two experts who know absolutely zero about the game they are talking about: http://msn.foxsports.com/video?videoid=3417c873-f235-4b60-90d8-c80cf855718b&src=v5:share:sharepermalink:&from=sharepermalink
The Louisville fanbase is small. Half of one county in Kentucky, Cards fans pool their
resources for a collective effort of against short odds. There is a reason why a fanbase possibly 1/10th the size of the the University of Kentucky can actually out-earn the Wildcats. So this situation is perfect for Louisville. It’s almost exactly like the 1991 Fiesta Bowl Pregame where no one gave Louisville a chance against the Alabama Crimson Tide. This Florida team is MUCH better than that Alabama team. But Louisville is a lot better than their 1990-91 self as well. Personally I’ve never understood the disrespect Louisville receives as an athletic program, and it’s not Louisville’s fault that Florida fans can’t get excited about a Sugar Bowl against the Cards. It’s also not Louisville’s problem that Florida has apathy within their fanbase and it’s not an excuse in the game either.
Florida is a BIG favorite in this game. And their history is RICH and they have had better recruiting classes. I have nothing but RESPECT for Florida. But this is the Sugar Bowl and I like the match-up. I think it will be a MUCH better game than a lot of the experts agree and I think it’s worth taking a hard look at the match-ups. Louisville is 15-24 all-time versus ranked opponents and has won 5 of their last 8, 4-2 against ranked teams in bowl games. #3 Florida will be the highest ranked team the Cards will have faced since Louisville took down #3 West Virginia in 2006.
Florida Gator Football History
When you think of the great football programs in the history of college football the list is short. But unilaterally Florida is going to be mentioned and rightfully so. Whether is it the cursive “Gators” that don the UF helmets, legendary Ben Hill Griffin Stadium “The Swamp” that is their home turf, the 3 National Championships, 3 Heisman Trophies, or the fact that Gatorade was created at the school and named for its athletic programs. The Florida Gators and their football program have certainly made their mark in athletics and in popular culture. In fact, the year that Gatorade was released and used exclusively by 11 Florida Gators in a ‘test” in 1965 UF made their first ever Sugar Bowl. 2 years later, when the Gators made it to their first ever Orange Bowl and won Georgia Tech Head Coach Bobby Dodd famously said in defeat: “We didn’t have Gatorade. That made the difference.” Now after big wins in all of athletics teams celebrate with the “Gatorade Shower” to their coaches.
But the impact is more than just Gatorade, obviously. Florida is 680-386-40 all-time and has appeared in 39 bowl games with 31 Consensus All-Americans. Despite their history, Florida didn’t win their first national championship on the gridiron until the 1996 season, when the school’s First Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier led the Gators to the National Championship 30 years after winning College Football’s most coveted individual award. Danny Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy that same season and Florida took down the Florida State Seminoles 52-20 in the 1997 Sugar Bowl (Jan 2nd). The 2013 Sugar will be the 16-year anniversary of Florida’s 1st National Championship in the same bowl.
Florida would win the 2006 National Championship on January 8, 2007 in Glendale, AZ as the Gators throttled the Ohio State Buckeyes 41-14. In a twist of fate, the Louisville Cardinals losing to Rutgers on a last second Jeremy Ito field goal (and offsides penalty from William Gay) actually made it possible for Florida to rise to #2 (and jump Michigan). But in the title match-up Florida allowed just 82 yards to the Buckeyes (who were undefeated coming into the game) as the QB tandem of Chris Leak & Tim Tebow rolled behind an tremendous defensive effort from the Gators.
In 2008 Florida found their way into the National Championship game after beating Alabama in the SEC Title game. Once in Miami on January 8, 2009 the Gators took care of Oklahoma and Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford despite Tebow getting the most 1st place votes. In the game, Florida dominated time of possession and the ground. Rushing for 249 yards and holding the ball for 34:57. Bradford and Tebow both threw INTs, and Florida stopped two OU possessions inside the 5-yard line. Percy Harvin was HUGE in this game as Florida went on to win 24-14 for the 3rd & most recent National Championship.
Florida has won more games than any other college football team since 1990. They won 8 SEC Championships (all since 1991) and have played in 9 Sugar Bowls (10th will be the 2013 match-up).
Louisville/Florida Connections-Football/Basketball
Charlie Strong is the Big East Coach of the Year in 2012. Rewind the tape 5 years ago and many would have openly questioned not only was Charlie Strong capable, but whether or not he would ever have the opportunity. Charlie Strong coached at Florida for 3 separate stints and for 14 years. He’s recruited (or had a part in recruiting) most of their upperclass and was actually the Gators’ Head Coach for the 2004 Peach Bowl. Personally I think he looks better in Red. Vance Bedford (Louisville DC) & Kenny Carter (Louisville ST & RBs) was with Coach Strong at Florida from 2008-09. Cardinal Strength & Conditioning Coach Pat Moorer played linebacker for Florida from 1986-89, was SEC Freshman of the Year, lead the Gators in tackles and was a team captain as a senior. Moorer also worked for the Gators from 92-97.
One interesting note is the effect Louisville Trinity will have on the game. Sam Robey 
earned a scholarship out of high school for Florida and is currently the #2 Center for the Gators. While Robey’s teammates Will Stein, Alex Kupper, and Scott Radcliff all walked on to Louisville and have played key roles for the Cards. There are also several other high school teammates featured in this game: James Burgess & Pedro Sibiea were with Darrin Kitchens at Homestead, Jamaine Brooks, Damian Copeland, & Andrell Smith were with Kedric Johnson at Palmetto H.S. in Miami.
Louisville has also recruiting the state of Florida heavily with 34 players on their roster. One player though, fell into their lap at the beginning of last year: Adrian Bushell has been huge for the Cards since his arrival at Cornerback and has earned 1st Team ALL-Big East in both of his seasons. He ended his freshman season in the Sugar Bowl as a Florida Gator. Bushell will end his collegiate career as a Louisville graduate in the Sugar Bowl. Louisville Offensive Guard Kamran Joyer is the younger brother to Florida fullback Hunter Joyer.
Florida’s Matt Elam, Jacoby Brissett, & Dakota Wilson went to Dwyer High School with Florida Transfers Robert Clark & Gerald Christian (you’ll seem them next year Cards fans).
And who could ever forget the relationship that Rick Pitino has with Billy Donovan……or the last time Louisville & Florida met in the post-season.
Statistical Comparison
| Louisville | Florida | |
| Strength of Schedule (Congrove) | 66th | 11th |
| Scoring Offense (ppg) | 31.0 (47th) | 26.8 (75th) |
| Total Offense (ypg) | 425.7 (47th) | 338.0 (104th) |
| Passing Offense (ypg) | 298.6 (24th) | 143.9 (118th) |
| Rushing Offense (ypg) | 127.08 (100th) | 194.08 (35th) |
| Scoring Defense (ppg) | 23.8 (37th) | 12.9 (3rd) |
| Total Defense (ypg) | 344.8 (25th) | 282.6 (5th) |
| Passing Defense (ypg) | 193.8 (19th) | 186.0 (15th) |
| Rushing Defense (ypg) | 151.08 (52nd) | 96.58 (6th) |
| First Downs (per game) | 22.8 (38th) | 17.4 (110th) |
| Opponent First Downs (per game) | 18.3 (23rd) | 16.9 (9th) |
| Turnover Margin (season) | +9 (23rd) | +17 (5th) |
| Time of Possession | 32:44.83 (8th) | 33:06.83 (6th) |
| Sacks (per game) | 1.58 (87th) | 2.08 (53rd) |
| Sacks Allowed (per game) | 2.08 (74th) | 3.00 (110th) |
| Tackles for Loss (per game) | 4.42 (103rd) | 6.42 (42nd) |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed (per game) | 6.08 (90th) | 6.08 (90th) |
| Interceptions (season) | 9 (80th) | 19 (6th) |
| Passes Defended (per game) | 4.17 (82nd) | 5.67 (16th) |
| Fumbles Recovered (season) | 12 (33rd) | 10 (59th) |
| Fumbles Forced (season) | 11 (65th) | 12 (51st) |
| Fumbles Lost (season) | 5 (7th) | 9 (53rd) |
| 3rd Down Conversions (%) | 48.54% (13th) | 36.69% (87th) |
| Opponent 3rd Down Conversions (%) | 42.41% (84th) | 28.32% (4th) |
| Red Zone Conversions (%) | 96.00% (1st) | 83.33% (46th) |
| Opponent Red Zone Conversions (%) | 86.84% (103rd) | 71.88% (16th) |
| Field Goal % | 84.2% (14th) | 82.1% (20th) |
| Opponent Field Goal % | 69.2% (46th) | 54.5 (8th) |
| Punt Returns (ypr) | 4.18 (110th) | 13.83 (12th) |
| Kickoff Returns (ypr) | 17.82 (119th) | 20.57 (81st) |
| Opponent Punt Returns (ypr) | 8.14 (65th) | 7.55 (57th) |
| Opponent Kickoff Returns (ypr) | 23.59 (105th) | 18.49 (15th) |
| Punting (ypp) | 38.04 (114th) | 44.89 (7th) |
| Kicks/Punts Blocked (season) | 1 (65th) | 4 (14th) |
| Penalties (ypg) | 56.5 (78th) | 66.4 (108th) |
Florida Gators in 2012
-The Gators came into 2012 fresh off a 7-6 season as one of the youngest teams in all of college football and took down the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2012 Gator Bowl in a match-up of 6-6 teams. There was rampant discussion about whether or not Wil Muschamp would be retained if the Gators did not improve significantly in 2012. Florida opened the season against the Bowling Green Falcons and did nothing to spell the doubters as UF defeated BG 27-14 in perfect conditions as the game was tied 14-14 midway through the 3rd quarter. The Gators pulled away for the final margin in the 4th quarter and outgained the Falcons just 365-327 and actually benefited from an AWFUL 10-yard punt from the Bowling Green 8 yard line that set up the Gators’ go ahead field goal in the 3rd quarter to take a 17-14 lead and followed that with an interception in scoring position that setup Florida’s final touchdown. Bowling Green did finish 8-4 and 2nd in the MAC East Division.
-The Gators 2nd game of the season was a thrilling victory on the road in College Station against Texas A&M and the eventual Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. During another perfect day for football A&M outgained Florida 334-307, neither team turned the ball over and Manziel completed 23 of 30 passes for 173 yards (no Touchdowns). The Gators DOMINATED the clock, but Manziel was able to add 60 yards on 17 carries as the Aggies simply could not find running room otherwise. Gator QB Jeff Driskel was SACKED 8 TIMES, but UF was able to come back from a 17-7 2nd quarter deficit with some timely throws from Driskel and tough running from Mike Gillislee. In the end, A&M punted with 3:13 and needed a stop with 3 timeouts, but could NOT stop the Gators on the ground and Florida ran out the clock securing the win. GREAT win for Florida started the silencing of the Muschamp critics, 20-17 victory and the Aggies finished #9 in the BCS Standings.
-Florida then went on the road to Knoxville and played an (over) ranked Tennessee Volunteers team, again in perfect conditions and STOMPED the Volunteers. UF rolled up 555 yards (336 rushing) in Knoxville and the Gators actually trailed late in the 3rd quarter before Trey Burton ripped off an 80-yard run to tie the score. From there Matt Elam intercepted a Tyler Bray pass and Mike Gillislee had a HUGE run followed by the go ahead TD from Driskel to Jordan Reed. The Gators pulled away in the 4th quarter with a Driskel to Frankie Hammond 75-yard TD to push the lead to 34-20. This game was about BIG gains from the Gator offense and turning turnovers into points. Florida had just one additional first down than the Vols, but outgained UT by 215 yards. Big plays, 37-20 win.
-Florida then hosted the Kentucky Wildcats after a two-game road trip, another perfect day for football and the Gators BLASTED the Cats 38-0 as UK went into their game with Morgan Newton at QB as Max Smith was unexpectedly not available right before the game. The Cats could not move the ball and managed just 60 yards through the air in one of the worst Quarterback performances from Morgan Newton college football will ever see. Does this game change with Max Smith? Not the outcome, but maybe the competitiveness. Kentucky did manage 219 yards (159 rushing) against the Gators, but Florida was merciful in this game. Kentucky was completely unprepared for this level.
-After a BYE, Florida then played host to the LSU Tigers in another perfect day. LSU built a 6-0 lead after a field goal on their opening drive and another field goal after Jeff Driskel fumbled the ball at the 7-yard line setting up a Tiger field goal just before halftime. Florida would score in the 3rd quarter when Mike Gillislee took over and Jeff Driskel again made some timely throws to take a 7-6 lead. Florida would cap off the scoring for the game at the beginning of the 4th quarter with a dominating drive on the ground, mostly & eventually with Mike Gillislee to take a 14-6 lead. LSU had two legitimate possessions to knot the game in the 4th quarter, the first was stopped after 3 straight rushes (LSU’s QB coach is Steve Kragthorpe) & the second was stopped on a 7-play drive that saw Mettenberger throw 6 incompletions (see previous parentheses). Overall this was a game for defense and Florida was able to gain 22 first downs to LSU’s 8, despite only gaining 237 yards. LSU only managed 200 yards themselves, turned the ball over 3 times, and was 1 for 13 on 3rd down while Florida DOMINATED the clock possessing the ball for 37:24 of the game. The Gators would beat LSU, who finished #8 in the final BCS standings 14-6.
-A week later, Florida traveled to Nashville to face Vanderbilt. It was a little windy but otherwise perfect conditions for the Gators to defeat the Commodores 31-17. But it wasn’t easy from the beginning as Vandy actually held a lead in the 1st quarter, before Jeff Driskel engineered an 11-play 91-yard TD drive to take the lead (2-point conversion good) which ended with a 37-yard TD rush from Driskel. The Gators would settle for a FG just before halftime to push the lead to 11-7. The Gators thwarted the Commodore opening 15-play drive of the 2nd quarter when the Gators BLOCKED a 44-yard Field Goal attempt. The Gators took advantage on their ensuing possession with a fake punt 54-yard run from Solomon Patton, and then another rushing TD for Driskel to push the lead to 18-7. In the 4th quarter the Gators forced a sack/fumble from Jordan Rodgers which have UF a short field goal to extend the lead to 21-7. Vanderbilt was able to score on their next possession on an 11-play 75-yard TD drive with fantastic rushes from Wesley Tate, and then eventually Zac Stacy to pull within 21-14 midway through the 4th quarter. The Gators would answer with a field goal after 5 rushes got them into scoring position, and Vandy would answer with a FG of their own after Jordan Rodgers connected with Jordan Matthews for 53 yards. But the final nail in the coffin was the first play from scrimmage following the Commodore FG, when Driskel took off for a 70 yard rush for a TD.
Vanderbilt actually competed well in this game, but when playing Florida it is almost impossible to play from behind. Particularly two scores behind. Florida answered every challenge, and Jeff Driskel’s 11 carries for 177 yards were really the difference. Vandy had 23 first downs to Florida’s 15, and actually had the ball for 33:10 on the Gators while only allowing Florida to go 2 for 11 on 3rd down. Again Florida won this game with the big play.
-The Gator’s game against the South Carolina Gamecocks is scary. South Carolina finished #10 in the BCS Standings, and Florida CRUSHED the Gamecocks 44-11. Believe it or not, Florida scored 44 points with just 183 total yards! South Carolina gained just 191! How did the Gators do it? TD #1 was after a USC fumble that gave UF the ball on the 2 yard line. TD #2 came after a BLOCKED field goal & muffed punt from South Carolina’s Ace Sanders that extended the drive (and basically moved the ball for the Gators). TD #3 came immediately after Touchdown number two when the Gamecocks’ Damiere Byrd fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Florida started on the 1-yard line. TD #4 was an actual drive for the Gators to open the 2nd half. TD #5 followed a short punt that started in Gamecock territory and was helped along with an unnecessary roughness penalty. TD #6 was the final score for the Gators followed a 35-yard onside kick return to the 11-yard line. It was easy pickings from there for Gator Running Back Matt Jones.
Lesson from South Carolina game: Don’t make mistakes or stupid penalties if you expect to beat Florida. They take advantage of EVERYTHING.
-Florida Gator Fans have examined their game against the Georgia Bulldogs at length. The “World’s Largest Cocktail Party” shaped College Football’s landscape in 2012. The Gators fell to the Bulldogs in a game that won the Eastern Division of the SEC and Georgia played Alabama for a chance to win the league and play for the BCS National Championship. In the UGA/UF game, neither team seemed particularly interested in keeping the ball as the two teams tallied a collective NINE TURNOVERS, with Florida coughing the ball up SIX TIMES of their own. In fact, the Gators got started giving the ball away early as Jeff Driskel fumbled on Florida’s opening possession giving the ball to UGA on the 20-yard line which set-up Georgia’s first TD.
In this game, the Jeff Driskel timely pass just missed. But in the 2nd quarter, Florida put together a 6:28, 15-play, 70-yard drive that started with an interception from UGA’s Aaron Murray by Josh Evans in the redzone & ended with the Gators settling for a field goal after two Jeff Driskel incompletions. Florida tacked on another field goal after another Aaron Murray INT, this time from Matt Elam with the Gators starting just 11 yards away from the goal line. Florida would close the 1st half with an interception at the goal line from Jeff Driskel by Bacarri Rambo. The INT not only took away a Touchdown opportunity, but would have allowed Florida to take a 9-7 lead with a chip shot field goal.
The Gators would open the 3rd quarter with another Jeff Driskel INT on UF’s opening drive. Florida was in their own territory at the time of this INT, and UGA took advantage and tacked on an easy Field Goal after almost no gain. With the score being 10-6 midway through the 3rd quarter this game was by no means out of reach, but the Gators coughed up the ball again in their own territory when Trey Burton fumbled on UF’s second play of the drive. Florida dodged a bullet in this instance as a 37-yard field goal was missed. Florida and Georgia would trade possessions after 4 straight punts, before the Gators took advantage of good field position for a 50-yard field goal to pull to 10-9. But Georgia answered on their ensuing possession with a 45-yard TD pass with 7:11 remaining. Florida would get one final possession and was moving the ball before their 6 and FINAL turnover happened at the 5-yard line which was eventually recovered in the endzone giving Georgia the win 17-9 & ultimately the SEC East.
Losing this game to the Bulldogs not only cost Florida a chance to regain bragging rights in a rivalry, but they also lost the division, a chance to play for the conference championship, and national title. The Sugar Bowl is a consolation but that’s a tough penalty for losing just one game. In the end, Georgia forced 6 turnovers and beat the Gators by just one score and Florida allowed just ONE 3rd down conversion while Florida was limited to just 1.9 yards per rush. Georgia finished #7 in the BCS Final Standings after falling from #3 following a loss to Alabama in the SEC Title game.
-The Gators had a week to regroup after their loss to the Georgia Bulldogs before hosting the Missouri Tigers in perfect conditions. This was a defensive game despite Mizzou not really being a defensive juggernaut. Still the Gators capitalized when it mattered and forced 4 TURNOVERS (all INTs) from the Tigers. The first INT (from Jaylen Watkins) resulted in a BLOCKED field goal attempt and was a missed opportunity for UF. Missouri forced a Florida turnover in Gator territory mid-way through the 1st half which resulted in Missouri’s ONLY score of the day. Florida got on the board after great field position from a backed up Missouri and good punt return from De’Ante Saunders. Omarius Hines went 36 yards to tie the game, and then Missouri drove the field and had a chance to reclaim the lead before the Gators BLOCKED a 25- yard field goal.
At the end of the 3rd quarter Missouri had another opportunity in Florida territory before Matt Elam (this guy is everywhere) picked off James Franklin to give the Gators the ball at mid-field. Driskell connected with Gillislee for 45-yards to take the lead and have the game’s final score. Florida capped the game off by just harassing Mizzou QB James Franklin in their final 4 possessions. Possession #1 ended after sacks on 2nd & 3rd down. Possession #2 was a 3 AND OUT with two Franklin incompletions. Possession #3 ended with a Franklin INT by Jon Bostic. Possession #4 was actually impressive for the Tigers as they kept converting 1st downs and got into scoring position before Franklin was intercepted for the final time, this time by Josh Evans. And with 3 games remaining the Gators had wrapped up their SEC slate of games.
-Typically I wouldn’t think I would spend a lot of time analyzing a Florida vs. Louisiana-Lafayette game. But the Gators needed the 4th quarter to come from behind to win this home game in perfect weather. As is their custom, UF got on the board early following a Ragin Cajun fumble in ULL territory and Caleb Sturgis hit a 38-yard FG to take the early 3-0 lead. ULL would answer with a field goal of their own following a big gain, but just before halftime the Gators put together a nice drive 85-yards down the field and capped it off with a TD with 7 seconds remaining in the half. Florida opened the 3rd quarter with two huge gains, and the Ragin’ Cajuns helped out with a 15-yard facemask setting up a field goal to take a 13-3 Gator lead.
Then Lafayette did something few teams have done against the Gators. They went the length of the field for a 77-yard, 9-play drive that was helped along with two penalties. Then after the Ragin Cajuns did the impossible they flipped the script on the Gators and blocked a punt and returned it for a Touchdown and took a 17-13 lead and then went the distance again to start the 4th quarter but had to settle for a FG from the Florida 5-yard line and had a 20-13 lead with 13:11 to play in the 4th quarter. The Gators were without Jeff Driskel who left in the 3rd quarter with an ankle injury and needed Sophomore back-up Jacoby Brissett to lead them and things didn’t get going until about 3 minutes remaining. The play that made everything possible was a 39-yard connection from Brissett to tight end Jordan Reed. The Gators would score on the next play from Brissett to Quinton Dunbar to knot the game, and ULL would go 3 AND OUT before disaster struck from the Ragin’ Cajuns…..Florida returned the favor from earlier in the game and BLOCKED Lafayette’s punt and Jelani Jenkins recovered the ball perfectly with no one around him and took the ball in for the game winning TD with just :04 remaining.
-The Gators went into their final game of the regular season a week after dispatching FCS Jacksonville State in a shutout against their in-state rival the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, FL. It was a little windy, but the Gators played in favorable conditions all season. To open the game Florida came out ‘nickel & diming’ their way down the field and eventually settled on a field goal. Florida State got into position to score when Matt Elam (stop me if you’ve heard this before) intercepted EJ Manuel. Florida would NOT score on the possession after stalling in FSU territory and failing to convert on 4th & 1. Things were quiet until mid-way through the 2nd quarter when Mike Gillislee put the Gators in great position on 3rd down three consecutive times before UF had to settle for a FG which pushed the lead to 6-0. On the ensuing kickoff the Darrin Kitchens forced a fumble and Florida was able to start on the FSU 21-yard line and it was just 3 rushes to the endzone to take a 13-0 lead. EJ Manuel then was intercepted by Jelani Jenkins on the first play from scrimmage and the rout appeared to be on as the Gators started in their own territory AGAIN. But the Seminoles got a break after a holding penalty, false start, and sack pushed the Gators back and instead of easy points Florida punted. Florida State would drive the field in 9 plays and would have to settle for a field goal with time running out for halftime and would trail 13-3.
In the 3rd quarter EJ Manuel would throw ANOTHER interception, this time to Marcus Roberson, but Florida actually moved backwards 18 yards on the drive after a holding & intentional grounding penalty. The Gators had a short punt and a nice return from FSU started the Seminole drive at the Gator 25-yard line and the ‘Noles took advantage to edge closer 13-10. Jeff Driskel fumbled the first play from scrimmage in a weird handoff exchange to Gillislee following the FSU TD giving FSU another possession in Florida territory and the Seminoles took advantage again to take a 17-13 lead. At this point in the game the Gators needed to regroup, and didn’t do themselves any favors after Jeff Driskel was sacked, and the Gators gave up yet another long punt return and added a 15-yard facemask penalty so that FSU started in Gator territory AGAIN, and then had a 15-yard pass interference penalty move the ‘Noles into FG territory. FSU gained only 3 yards and hit a 53-yarder to take a 7 point lead 20-13.
The Gators finally stopped the bleeding early in the 4th quarter when they sustained a drive, but did settle for a field goal inside the redzone. Still the fact that they stopped giving FSU opportunities was enough. But then the Florida defense started to get going when an EJ Manuel was absolutely lit up by Antonio Morrison and jarred the ball loose where the Gators would recover in FSU territory at the 37, and that was just enough space for Mike Gillislee to get to the endzone on one play to take a 23-20 lead. FSU couldn’t move the ball with Clint Trickett under center and when the ‘Noles punted Marcus Roberson returned the ball 50 yards, and Florida’s offense is good enough to score from the 32. Being down 10 with less than 7:00 to play isn’t really where you want to find yourself against the Gators, and EJ Manuel couldn’t really get anything going. FSU failed to convert 4th & 26 (surprised?) and gave the ball back to the Gators who rushed 4 times to the endzone to extend the lead to 37-20. FSU would score after getting the ball with 2:33 remaining, but I can’t put a lot of emphasis into a touchdown that happened down 17 with almost no time left. Florida State’s 5 turnovers DOOMED them and Florida State finished #12 in the BCS Standings.
The basic exercise in going through these games is to understand just HOW the Florida Gators WIN games, and what it might take to beat them. Going through each of Florida’s games I’m not overly struck with their offensive efficiency. BUT I am struck with their ability to make the timely play on offense and run the football. But let’s get serious, Florida wins with defense, turning the ball over, field position, and special teams. The Gator offense is enough to keep folks honest, but they excel when the defense or special teams given them opportunity. If ANY team is going to beat Florida it better bring its offense, it better hold onto the ball, and it better stop the run.
Louisville Cardinals in 2012
The Louisville Cardinals in 2012 were coming off back-to-back 7-6 seasons and returned a team that was almost entirely freshman & sophomores a year previously. The Cards opened the season with a 32-14 dominating performance against in-state rival Kentucky. The game featured some ominous pre-game weather, but Louisville did whatever they wanted in this game and pulled Teddy Bridgewater in the 3rd quarter. After dispatching FCS Missouri State, the Cards hosted North Carolina on a windy day in what looked like a dismantling of a pretty decent ACC team. The Cards raced out to a 36-7 lead in the 3rd quarter and UofL looked like a team that meant serious business before the Tar Heels mounted a comeback where everything seemingly went their way until Louisville Cornerback Andrew Johnson broke up Bryn Renner’s 4th down pass to Erik Highsmith in the endzone that would have given the Tar Heels a 41-39 lead with under 2 minutes remaining.
From there the Cards went on a 3-game road trip that wouldn’t bring them home for over 
a month. Louisville escaped Florida International as the Cardinals were obviously distracted, whether it was being in Miami or the flooded conditions that created a moat around the stadium that made FIU Stadium nearly inaccessible the Cards had to make first downs late in the 4th quarter or risk blowing a 2-TD lead. This was probably Teddy Bridgewater’s worst game of 2012. In his hometown, he threw several balls in this game that we did not see at all during the rest of the season.
The Cards then traveled to Hattiesburg, MS to play in one of the most memorable rain games I’ve ever been witness to against Southern Miss . It rained all day, and by the time the 7:00 p.m. CST start came around the area had been able to handle the eventual 5 inches of rain that fell on the day. Despite the rain it was obvious that Louisville had 
an advantage through the air, but that was quickly taken away as the rain accelerated and Lake Hattiesburg began to form on the field at MM Roberts Stadium. From there the game was a battle of wills on the ground. It no longer mattered that USM was using their 3rd string QB, or the fact that he was a true freshman. The field continued to get smaller and smaller as the sidelines became more and more flooded and eventually the water was ankle deep. It wasn’t just wet on the field, it was even wet inside the press box where I had to construct a pyramid of cups to protect my computer/equipment from the rain.
In the end the Cards would score after asserting their will upfront. Winning this game against a Southern Miss Golden Eagle team that eventually would finish 0-12 really doesn’t say enough about just how much of a neutralizing factor the rain was. Teddy Bridgewater was grounded and the skill sets of every player really all brought to even. It was fun to be a part of, even if we all were soaked. At this point the Cards were thrilled to be 5-0. They had avoided a major comeback at home and won two hard fought road games and the team that everyone questioned the maturity of coming into the season was showing that they were capable of ignoring the excuses and just going out and winning the game. This was a big change from a year prior.
After a week off, UofL opened the Big East schedule on the road against Pitt and the 45-35 final score doesn’t exactly exhibit how close this game could have been. For the Cards this game was all about the big play and Teddy Bridgewater, and they all came at the right time. Probably the one that meant the most was a 27 yard jump ball to DeVante Parker just before halftime that set up a field goal that pulled the Cards within 21-17 at halftime. Then coming out of the half, Bridgewater hit Parker for 75 yards on the first play. From there it was clear the deep ball was going to it, so Teddy went to Eli Rogers & Parker on the next drive for BIG gains which lead to a TD and then the Cards took their foot off the gas with a 38-21 lead and it took some bad decisions from the Pitt coaching staff that really made it more difficult for Pitt to come back and win. Louisville’s 5 Rushing Touchdowns were the difference and were made possible with Teddy Bridgewater’s arm.
The Cards finally were able to return home and did so as a 6-0 #16 team in the nation against the South Florida Bulls. It didn’t rain, but the Cards needed a goal line stand and a game-winning drive from Teddy Bridgewater to win the game. Louisville was not good against the run in this game and Cornerback Stephan Robinson was picked on in the redzone by BJ Daniels. Teddy was 21 of 25 for 256 yards and was just everything for Louisville in this game. Because he did whatever he wanted in this game Louisville was able to win. Period. The offensive line had to play 5 different alignments during the game due to various injuries, but the Cards were able to execute when it counted.
Louisville didn’t need to go far for motivation for their game against the Cincinnati Bearcats. Munchie Legaux said that he was ‘the better quarterback’ prior to the game in reference to Teddy Bridgewater and Cards answered the bell. Louisville would win the game in overtime during another game of rain, but it was two catches that really made the win possible for Louisville: a 64-yard catch and run touchdown from DeVante Parker & a 51-yard sideline catch from Damian Copeland with the Cards backed up against their goal line. Louisville had to call upon defensive players to play tight end in this game due to injury, and that really affected the running game against a veteran Cincinnati team and the Bearcats were able to gain A LOT on the ground (which was game #2 of a bad 4-game stretch of stopping the run).
The Cards then easily dispatched Temple as Teddy Bridgewater threw 5 Touchdown passes and the Owls had nothing to match, even after returning the opening kickoff for the game’s first score. Not wasting to much time here…..
As a Card fan you knew it was coming. You hoped it wouldn’t, but you could see it happening. Louisville traveled to face the Syracuse Orange in the Carrier Dome on Senior Day and Syracuse ended running back Senorise Perry’s season during the Cards’ first possession, ruined Teddy Bridgewater’s birthday, and ended UofL’s perfect season. This was Louisville’s only game in a dome in 2012 and the first since the Beef O’Brady’s Bowl in 2010. (Also interesting is that the last time Florida traveled outside of the state to play an out of conference game the Gators lost in the Carrier Dome 38-21 as the #5 team in the country). But in this game, Louisville just caught a team that was playing its absolute best in Syracuse and Louisville also didn’t play near what it was capable of playing. Call it a perfect storm, but games like this happen in college football. It was just a matter of time before the Cards (who had looked disinterested in the weeks leading up to this game) came up against someone who could take them to task.
In the end Ryan Nassib & Alec Lemon found a way to confuse Hakeem Smith consistently & running back Jerome Smith continued to take advantage of Louisville’s increasingly porous run defense (game #3 of 4 bad games against the run). Teddy Bridgewater had an absolutely huge game with 424 yards and 3 TDs. But he didn’t get much help from his defense or from a lot of his targets would dropped several balls & from a running game that looked panicked after losing Perry. Chalk it up, move on.
Everyone wanted to move on against Connecticut. But the UConn Huskies had other plans. We can make a lot of excuses here about why this game was lost. 27 yards rushing as the Cards continued to try and figure out how to get the running game going after losing Senorise Perry a week before, having Teddy Bridgewater break his wrist in the 2nd quarter and having to miss most of the 2nd half before Teddy was able to lead a TD drive to force overtime with 0:17 remaining. Then in overtime Bridgewater was thrown awkwardly to the turf again injuring his ankle and setting the stage for his interception that essentially won the game by Blidi Wreh-Wilson that allowed a UConn Field Goal to win in overtime. Teddy’s broken wrist was kind of a freak play, but the Cards did not win upfront against UConn. It is important to note that UConn finished as the #10 defense in the nation, but despite missing a large portion of the game Bridgewater finished with 331 yards. Have to wonder with a little better protection if this game could have been different, but protection is part of the game and it wasn’t good for the second game in a row. Wreh-Wilson was awesome in this game for UConn by the way, UofL avoided him throughout the day. The Huskies really couldn’t move the ball, but the Cards couldn’t either.
Despite losing two games in a row, Louisville still had a chance to win the Big East and earn a spot in a BCS bowl if they could beat Rutgers on the road. It wasn’t known in pre-game if Teddy Bridgewater would even go through warm-ups and early on he did not take the field. But he did warm-up at about 50% and then didn’t come into the game until the start of the 2nd quarter. From there it was almost impossible to take him out of the game. In the end it was defense, special teams, and big plays from Bridgewater and the offense that won this game. If not for two terribly missed tackles that led to long touchdown passes it’s hard to imagine how Rutgers would have scored. Rutgers got nothing on the ground as the Louisville run defense finally showed back up, and the Louisville offensive line only needed to focus on pass protection with Bridgewater unable to go under-center with his broken wrist. Big win for the Cards, not only did UofL stop the bleeding but they looked like the team we thought we had seen in the 2nd half (and hadn’t since the Temple game).
FB: Cards defeat Rutgers, BCS Bound from @CrumsRevenge on Vimeo.
Louisville won the Big East championship and did so in dramatic fashion, but it was kind of like winning a golf tournament with a 3-putt. The Cardinals showed incredible potential, played in a lot of conditions that were less than ideal, at times played down to their competition, and were wildly inconsistent. They also were able to win 10 games and the conference. For all of those reasons, there is excitement for the future of the program that a team this young can do all of the things they accomplished and still have a chance to. Win or lose in the Sugar Bowl this team made huge strides from 2011 to 2012 and stopped a lot of the silly stuff that cost them a game a year earlier. I have to imagine that the small details continually get cleaned up and as the Cards get healthy for the Sugar Bowl we’ll be able to see where this team really measures.
Louisville Offense vs. Florida Defense
So Florida’s Defense is pretty good. Well that’s an understatement. The Florida Gator’s Defense is REALLY good. UF finished 5th in the country in Total Defense, and 3rd in Scoring Defense. 15th against the run, and 6th against the pass. Moving the ball on the Gators is not going to be a walk in the park. The Cards do have legitimate tools, but let’s take a look at who makes the Gators’ defense tick.
Defensive Tackle Sharrif Floyd (6-3, 303, Jr.) was 1st Team ALL-SEC, and 3rd Team ALL-American (AP) is an incredible start up front. Floyd is as disruptive as you can get on the interior defensive line and leads the Gators will 11 TFLs to go along with his 41 tackles, one forced fumble and a blocked kick. Next to Floyd is Nose Tackle Omar Hunter (6-0, 313, Jr.) Hunter & Floyd have a combined 54 career starts between the two of them and together will force teams to want to go the LONG way around as they rank 5th & 6th in tackles for Florida during 2012. Hunter registered 39 takedowns and 4 pass break-ups on the season.
Dominique Easley (6-2, 280, Jr.) can play inside and outside and possesses a diverse skill set but will start at Defensive End for Florida. Easley finished with 21 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 4 sacks. Easley is a veteran player for the Gators and is backed up by Jonathan Bullard (6-3, 271, Fr.) who was productive enough to earn Freshman ALL-SEC honors playing behind the veteran. Bullard actually put up better numbers with 26 tackles, 5 TFLs, a 7 quarterback hits. Together these two are quite the one-two punch and will be tough to deal with.
On the other end, Labeled “Buck” the Gators use another pair of really talented athletes in Lerentee McCray (6-3, 249, Sr.) & Dante Fowler, Jr. (6-3, 277, Fr.). Fowler earned All-Freshman SEC honors in 2012, and McCray was a Preseason Butkus Award Watch List player. Both of these players were productive during 2012 and combined for 50 tackles, 10 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, an INT, and a forced fumble. Fowler is probably a future superstar and together these guys can keep fresh legs in the game to constantly apply pressure.
Analysis UofL O-Line vs. UF D-Line : Upfront Louisville is going to have several challenges. First of all, Florida doesn’t rely on one stud player to create havoc. They do that collectively and it isn’t because they don’t have players that can play every snap. It’s because they have enough depth that they don’t have to rely on one or two guys throughout the game. So from a scouting perspective the Cards are going to have to be prepared. Against Rutgers and UConn (two teams whose style matches Florida) Louisville had trouble dealing with the defensive tackles, but Floyd & Hunter are a cut 
above. If Mario Benavides (6-4, 280, Sr.) 1st Team All-Big East, John Miller, and Jake Smith can neutralize the ‘push’ of these two then the Cards have a chance to run the ball. If not, well then the Cards will continue to struggle running the football (as they have since Senorise Perry went down against Syracuse). On the outside Florida is going to rush a little wider in an effort to contain and funnel to their linebackers, and if Jamon Brown & Alex Kupper (6-3, 298, Sr.) 2nd Team All-Big East (former walk-on) allow that to happen blitz lanes open up and the edge is lost. But, there could be some nice check down lanes and maybe even some space for Teddy to take off here. One big part of Louisville’s run game that I think will be difficult is the guard pulling on running plays. It’s a big part of the Louisville running game and it really dissolved against Syracuse as the Orange really scouted that part of the ground game and really started hitting the guard or the center into the lane and eliminated that part of the Louisville offense. In the passing game Teddy Bridgewater’s mobility and ability to string plays out will be needed.
Middle Linebacker Jon Bostic (6-1, 246, Sr.) finished his season as 2nd Team ALL-SEC with 62 tackles (3rd on team), 10 TFLs, 4 INTs, 5 pass break-ups, and 1 forced fumble. Bostic came in to the 2012 season with a long list of pre-season honors and compares to North Carolina’s Kevin Reddick who the Cards faced earlier in the season. Bostic is going to be playing in the NFL next year. At Weakside Linebacker Jelani Jenkins had successful foot surgery and will miss the Sugar Bowl. In his replacement the Gators turn to Antonio Morrison (6-1, 218 Fr.) Freshman ALL-SEC who played behind Jenkins in 2012 and still managed to finish 8th on the team in tackles with 31. Sophomore Michael Taylor (6-0, 226) will back-up both Bostic and Morrison in the Sugar Bowl.
On the Strongside linebackers Neiron Ball (6-3, 231 Soph) and Darrin Kitchens (6-1, 229, Jr.) will take the field when Florida ISN’T in Nickel. But the Gators use 5 players in the secondary often probably because that’s where they are awesome. And I can’t start talking about Florida and the Gators secondary without………………….
Matt Elam (5-10, 202, Jr.) 1st Team ALL-SEC, 1st Team ALL-American (AP) is a safety/nickel for the Florida Gators and he’s Florida’s best player. He could likely declare for the NFL draft after the Sugar Bowl, but Elam is a polarizing guy. If he’s on your team, you love him. If you are playing against him you probably don’t like him too much. Elam plays with swagger and with good reason. The Gators play him close to the line of scrimmage often, he is a sure tackler, he’s physical, he creates turnovers. He’s even known to hit his own players at times. There isn’t one way to really account for Elam, because sometimes he’s blitzing, sometimes he’s in coverage, sometimes he’s just doing his own thing, but it always seems to work out for him and Florida. Elam finished 2nd on the team in tackles with 65, 10 TFLs, 4 INTs, 5 pass break-ups, and a forced fumble. It doesn’t get more legit than Elam, period end of story.
The rest of the Gator secondary isn’t chopped liver. The Gators were 15th in Passing Defense, and #1 in Pass Efficiency Defense. Elam does a lot of work against the pass & run, but he certainly gets quite a bit of help. Free Safety Josh Evans (6-2, 201, Sr.) leads Florida with 79 tackles and rarely comes off the field. Evans also added 2 INTs and 2.5 sacks on the year. Cornerbacks Loucheiz Purifoy (6-1, 189 Soph.) & Jaylen Watkins (6-0, 187, Jr.) were extremely active as bigger types of cornerbacks and they combined for 86 tackles, 3 INTs (all Watkins), 13 pass break-ups, 3 forced fumbles (all Purifoy), and 2 blocked kicks (both Purifoy).
| Total Offense | Florida Allowed vs. | Deviation from Avg | Percent Gained of Average Allowed | |
| Bowling Green | 373.9 (87th) | 327 | -46.9 | 87.46% |
| A&M | 552.3 (3rd) | 334 | -218.3 | 60.47% |
| Tennessee | 475.9 (19th) | 340 | -135.9 | 71.44% |
| UK | 312.2 (115th) | 219 | -93.2 | 70.15% |
| LSU | 387.2 (80th) | 200 | -187.2 | 51.65% |
| Vanderbilt | 392.6 (69th) | 363 | -29.6 | 92.46% |
| South Carolina | 372.4 (89th) | 191 | -181.4 | 51.29% |
| Georgia | 458.3 (27th) | 273 | -185.3 | 59.57% |
| Missouri | 356.4 (98th) | 335 | -21.4 | 94.00% |
| LA-Lafayette | 443.6 (33rd) | 267 | -176.6 | 60.19% |
| Jacksonville St | N/A | 242 | N/A | N/A |
| Florida St | 465.9 (23rd) | 300 | -165.9 | 64.39% |
| Season Totals | -1441.7 | 68.60% | ||
| Average | -131.06 |
The Chart above depicts Florida’s Opponents Total Offense Ranking & Production, with they did against Florida specifically, the yardage of deviation, and the percent of their average they actually attained. Florida limited EVERY opponent in 2012 below their season average, and by an average percentage of 68.60% and an average of 131.06 less than each team’s season average. That’s REALLY significant. Louisville averaged 425.7 yards per game in 2012 and using the same numbers that the chart above has found, Louisville will be held to 292 yards based on percentage or 294 yards based on total. The question becomes though, how has Louisville performed against their opposition and does the Louisville offense compare to any of the offenses that Florida has played. For example, Missouri operated with 94% of their output and Vanderbilt operated within 92.46%. But stats can lie…..I’m going to start with QBs in this argument.
Florida faced several top-flight Quarterbacks in 2012, including Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. Manziel had an outstanding season (obviously), and I’m biased but there isn’t a Quarterback that Florida has played that I would trade for Teddy Bridgewater. But rather than taking my word for it, let’s take a look at the statistics.
| Passing Yards | Passing TDs | INTs | Completion % | QB Rating | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | |
| Matt Schilz | 2426 | 14 | 12 | 56.10% | 115.87 | -9 | 1 |
| Johnny Manziel | 3419 | 24 | 8 | 68.30% | 155.85 | 1181 | 19 |
| Tyler Bray | 3612 | 34 | 12 | 59.40% | 146.26 | -34 | 0 |
| Morgan Newton | 73 | 1 | 3 | 31.30% | 41.97 | 63 | 1 |
| Zach Mettenberger | 2489 | 11 | 6 | 58.70% | 129.59 | -167 | 0 |
| Jordan Rodgers | 2431 | 13 | 5 | 59.50% | 140.17 | 65 | 1 |
| Connor Shaw/Dylan Thompson* | 2642 | 23 | 9 | 67.3%/50.4% | 156.93/134.92 | 374 | 4 |
| Aaron Murray | 3466 | 31 | 8 | 65.40% | 172.37 | -71 | 3 |
| James Franklin | 1562 | 10 | 7 | 59.40% | 123.59 | 122 | 0 |
| Terrance Broadway | 2526 | 16 | 8 | 65.10% | 152.81 | 661 | 8 |
| EJ Manuel | 3101 | 22 | 10 | 67.90% | 157.61 | 284 | 3 |
| Teddy Bridgewater | 3452 | 25 | 7 | 69.00% | 161.62 | 43 | 1 |
| *Split Game, same # of passes |
Looking at the statistics over the course of a season and it becomes clear. Aaron Murray, Johnny Manziel, and Teddy Bridgewater will be the best Quarterbacks Florida has faced in 2012. A&M and Manziel lost by 3, Georgia and Murray won by 8. No one is going to say that beating Florida will be easy, but this is an encouraging metric.
Louisville does have at their disposal a wide variety of options in the passing game for Bridgewater (6-3, 218, Soph) Big East Offensive Player of the Year, 1st Team ALL-Big East to use. Probably the most notable is DeVante Parker (6-3, 205, Soph) 1st Team ALL-Big East. Parker’s 9 Touchdowns during 2012 were the 4th most in a single season and his 15 TDs already rank 8th All-Time for the Cards. But Parker isn’t the ONLY weapon for Teddy…..Eli Rogers (5-10, 185, Soph.), Damian Copeland (6-1, 183, Jr.), Andrell Smith (6-3, 217, Sr.), Ryan Hubbell (6-5, 232, Jr.), and Nate Nord (6-5, 245, Sr.) all caught huge balls for the Cards in 2012.
In the running game, the Cards will be without Senorise Perry who provided a very potent 1-2 punch on the ground with Jeremy Wright (5-11, 205, Jr.). Now Wright will team with Corvin Lamb (5-9, 205 Fr.) who filled in during the Rutgers game nicely. Lamb was ailing from ankle/hamstring was able to gain 37 yards on 6 carries, after getting one touch against Syracuse which went for 53 yards. There is no question that either one of these guys have the speed, but Lamb MUST protect Teddy Bridgewater in the passing game so that he and Wright can split the responsibility and remain fresh. Kenny Carter told me recently that he won’t put a player in the game if he can’t protect the passer, and both of these guys WILL be counted on in the passing game as well.
Louisville is going to run the football. If for no other reason than to keep the Gator’s defense honest. Louisville really hasn’t run the ball very well since the Temple game in the first game of November, but in a game like the Cards will have against Florida ball control will be at a premium and running the football for 2-3 yards on first down will make first downs easier to attain and also allow the play-action game to be effective.
| Total Defense | UofL Gained vs. | Deviation from Avg. | Percent Gained from Average Allowed | |
| Kentucky | 391.4 (61st) | 466 | 74.6 | 119.06% |
| Missouri St | N/A | 475 | N/A | N/A |
| North Carolina | 389.6 (58th) | 462 | 72.4 | 118.58% |
| Florida International | 402.9 (68th) | 323 | -79.9 | 80.17% |
| Southern Miss | 426.5 (85th) | 269 | -157.5 | 63.07% |
| Pittsburgh | 325.8 (16th) | 460 | 134.2 | 141.19% |
| South Florida | 401.8 (67th) | 384 | -17.8 | 95.57% |
| Cincinnati | 373.8 (41st) | 524 | 150.2 | 140.18% |
| Temple | 436.7 (90th) | 508 | 71.3 | 116.33% |
| Syracuse | 385.1 (51st) | 472 | 86.9 | 122.57% |
| Uconn | 309.9 (10th) | 401 | 91.1 | 129.40% |
| Rutgers | 321.3 (14th) | 364 | 42.7 | 113.29% |
| Season Totals | 468.2 | 111.24% | ||
| Average | 42.56 |
Looking at the stats, it’s clear that the best way to slow the Louisville offense is to have it rain 5 inches in one day so that the Cards have to play in ankle deep water. Louisville did not out-pace their opponent’s defense twice in 2012. The first time was probably the most mailed-in performance a fan could witness. The team was distracted, there was a significant rain storm before the game and it was easily the worst Bridgewater looked in 2012. The second time, was the 5 inches of rain in Hattiesburg that basically grounded the Louisville passing attack, and narrowed the field in the running game. The Sugar Bowl is in a dome. Rain will not be a factor. But the Florida Gator defense still will be.
Louisville was 111.24% of offense off their opponent’s defensive average and Florida allowed just 68.6% of offense off their opponent’s offensive average. So what’s about to happen? A ballgame. The truth is somewhere in the middle. Louisville MUST protect the ball, the Cards must win field position, UofL can not drop passes, and they have to try and gain some yardage on the ground and can not abandon the running attack. Florida is going to PRESSURE and COVER really well. There will be space (they can only play with 11 players) but getting Bridgewater time, taking what they can get, and occasionally hitting a big play. But the one thing Louisville can NOT afford to do in this game is to turn the ball over.
Florida Offense vs. Louisville Defense
Where Florida’s Defense is fantastic, Florida’s Offense leaves a lot to be desired. But That doesn’t mean that there are not good pieces here for the Gators. The Florida Offense really takes advantage of the opportunities their defense and special teams provides for them. They’ve been able to rely on that throughout 2012 and finished with an 11-1 season. But they’ve had some really timely plays on offense as well. With the type of team Florida is the ground game is the STAPLE of the offense, and the Gators have one of the best Running Backs in college football in Mike Gillislee (5-11, 209, Sr.). Gillislee finished out his senior season with an invitation to the Senior Bowl and 1st Team ALL-SEC. That should tell you everything you need to know about the Gator RB, but in case you need a little more here you go: 235 carries, 1104 yards, 10 TDs. Gillislee is a workhorse, he played in all 12 games for the Gators and he’s tough to bring down.
Gillislee received 46% of the carries for Florida in 2012, and the next closest ball carrier is also the UF Quarterback Jeff Driskel (6-4, 237, Soph). Driskel carried the ball 108 times for 409 yards (also 2nd for the Gators) and averaged 37.2 yards per game while adding 4 Touchdowns on the year. Together Driskel & Gillislee got 67.387% of Florida’s carries in 2012, Matt Jones (6-2, 226, Fr.) was WAY down the list with just 49 carries as the next closest ball carrier. That should tell you that Driskel & Gillislee really are two of the biggest parts of the Florida Offense.
But Driskel can throw the ball too. The sophomore signal caller completed 64.8% of his passes for 1471 yards and 11 TDs. Florida attempted just 259 passes as a team, compared to 509 rushes, making Florida a run DOMINANT team running the ball 66.27% of the time. Florida did allow 36 sacks on the year (110th) and with those being run plays we can adjust the play-calling to 295 pass plays to 473 rush plays which will adjust the play-calling to 61.58% rush, but that is still very slanted towards the ground game. It makes total sense with the defense and special teams, but it creates an area of concentration for the Louisville defense. STOP THE RUN.
Upfront Florida is a veteran group of two seniors, two juniors, and a sophomore and they are ALL BIG. Louisville Trinity product Sam Robey (6-3, 305, Sr.) backs up Jonotthan Harrison (6-4, 299, Jr.) at the Center position. Harrison started ALL 12 games at Center for the Gators this year. Left Tackle Xavier Nixon (6-6, 314, Sr.) is the most experienced Florida lineman with 32 career starts. Nixon missed the Missouri & Lafayette games with a knee injury, but was aptly replaced by DJ Humphries (6-6, 275, Fr.) who played in every game for Florida in 2012. Humphries earned Freshman ALL-SEC for his effort and also serves as back-up to Right Tackle Chaz Green (6-5, 310, Soph.). started 9 games for Florida and was spelled by Kyle Koehne (6-5, 311, Jr.) when Green was unable to go for a 3-game stretch. James Wilson (6-4, 323, Sr.) is the full-time starter at LG, he also had to miss time but his replacement Ian Silberman had shoulder surgery and will not be available for the Sugar Bowl. At Right Guard Jon Halapio (6-3, 321, Jr.) started all 12 games for Florida in 2011 & 2012.
The Gators are deep along the O-line, but did allow 3 sacks per game (110th). That stat is important, it isn’t as if Florida was dropping back to pass at a high rate at all. In fact, Florida attempted just 259 passes on the year good enough for 117th (out of 124th), only Auburn, Temple, Georgia Tech, Navy, New Mexico, Air Force, and Army attempted fewer passes. To allow 36 sacks (Auburn gave up more sacks on fewer attempts by the way) which such a small amount of attempts is actually pretty curious. Take for example, Louisville gave up a high number of sacks as well (25) but attempted 424 passes. Considering each sack was a pass play, Florida gave up sacks on 12.2% of their passing plays. Whereas the Cards gave up a sack on 5.5% of their dropbacks. 12.2% is a really high rate.
When Jeff Driskel isn’t running or getting sacked, he has a fantastic Tight End in Jordan Reed (6-3, 243, Jr.). Reed finished 2012 as 2nd Team ALL-SEC and as Florida’s leading receiver with 44 catches for 552 yards and 3 TDs. Reed’s 552 yards rank 11th nationally for Tight Ends. After Reed, there are some productive parts although I think the production itself leaves something to be desired. Remember Florida gained just 1727 yards through the air in 2012, Jordan Reed had 552 yards of that himself (31.96%).
Quinton Dunbar (6-1, 189, Soph.) accounted for the most catches from a wideout for the Gators with 31 for 306 yards and 4 TDs. Clearly, Dunbar is capable but his numbers are really indicative of the protection the Florida Offensive Line is providing and the passing ability of Driskel. Behind Dunbar on the receiving tally is Frankie Hammond, Jr. (6-0, 187, Sr.) & Omarius Hines (6-2, 217, Sr.) with just 20 catches each, and then Trey Burton (6-3, 228, Jr.) with 17. RB Mike Gillislee hauled in just 15 balls on the year so throwing to the back isn’t a huge part of the Florida passing game. That’s just not a lot of production outside of the QB, RB, and Tight End groups for this Gator offense. And gives opposing defenses an area of opportunity, but Jeff Driskel has done a great job of making the timely play all season. The timely play is something stats can’t measure, and there is something to be said about an offense that can take advantage of the opportunities they are given.
The Louisville defense is going to have to be ready. This is not a game where the Cards can give up the big play. If Florida is going to score the Louisville offense & special teams needs to ensure that the Gators don’t find themselves with short fields. But the Cardinal defense better get ready for a physical game upfront. Where Florida lacks in the passing game, they thrive on the ground as the 35th best rushing unit in the nation with one of the best backs in Gillislee. Also accounting for Driskel will be a major key for the defense and that might provide a soft spot for Jordan Reed.
| Total Defense | Florida Gained vs. | Deviation from Avg | Percent Allowed of Average | |
| Bowling Green | 289.7 (7th) | 365 | 75.3 | 125.99% |
| A&M | 389.3 (57th) | 307 | -82.3 | 78.86% |
| Tennessee | 471.3 (112th) | 555 | 83.7 | 117.76% |
| UK | 391.4 (61st) | 403 | 11.6 | 102.96% |
| LSU | 296.2 (8th) | 237 | -59.2 | 80.01% |
| Vanderbilt | 326.4 (17th) | 403 | 76.6 | 123.47% |
| South Carolina | 312.3 (12th) | 183 | -129.3 | 58.60% |
| Georgia | 351.2 (27th) | 266 | -85.2 | 75.74% |
| Missouri | 390.7 (60th) | 276 | -114.7 | 70.64% |
| LA-Lafayette | 427.8 | 311 | -116.8 | 72.70% |
| Jacksonville St | N/A | 356 | N/A | N/A |
| Florida St | 253.4 (2nd) | 394 | 140.6 | 155.49% |
| Season Totals | -199.7 | 94.88% | ||
| Average | -19.97 |
The Chart Above depicts that Florida was able to really take whatever their opponent was giving in 2012. The Gator offense also went off against a very good Seminole defensive unit and took advantage of a lot of FSU mistakes. I do find it interesting that Florida faced 3 Top Ten Defenses in 2012 and 5 defensive units in the top 17. That’s pretty significant when measuring offensive stats.
| Total Offense | Louisville Allowed vs. | Deviation from Avg | Percent Gained of Average Allowed | |
| Kentucky | 315.0 (115th) | 373 | 58 | 118.41% |
| Missouri State | N/A | 249 | N/A | N/A |
| North Carolina | 485.8 (16th) | 410 | -75.8 | 84.40% |
| Florida International | 383.8 (83rd) | 326 | -57.8 | 85.05% |
| Southern Miss | 323.0 (109th) | 249 | -74 | 77.09% |
| Pittsburgh | 400.4 (59th) | 380 | -20.4 | 94.91% |
| South Florida | 367.5 (93rd) | 386 | 18.5 | 105.03% |
| Cincinnati | 430.8 (44th) | 353 | -77.8 | 81.94% |
| Temple | 322.0 (110th) | 309 | -13 | 95.96% |
| Syracuse | 473.4 (21st) | 524 | 50.6 | 110.69% |
| Connecticut | 318.3 (112th) | 241 | -77.3 | 75.71% |
| Rutgers | 341.1 (102nd) | 284 | -57.1 | 83.26% |
| Season Totals | -326.1 | 92.16% | ||
| Average | -29.65 |
Looking at Louisville they limited 8 of 11 (FCS opponents are omitted from All Results found) to fewer yards than their average at an average of 30 yards less per game and limited opponents to just 92% of their average. That’s a good measure and against the best offenses North Carolina, Syracuse, and Cincinnati the Cards did well in two of those games . Florida’s offense actually ranks just behind Rutgers and ahead of Temple & Syracuse. Those 3 teams REALLY struggled to move the ball, and given that those 3 games basically closed out the season those teams really are very similar to Florida in terms of style of play, but in increasing order of difficulty. The Cards should be prepared in terms of game planning but should definitely be ready for an elevated level of play.
Upfront, the Cards MUST get pressure and win at the point of attack. Defensive Tackles Brandon Dunn (6-3, 285, Jr.), Roy Philon (6-3, 291, Jr.), and Jamaine Brooks (6-4, 326 Soph) have to get push on the interior of the line of scrimmage. The Cards can not afford to let Mike Gillislee cleanly hit the hole and they need to push through the gaps and move the holes so that Gillislee has to adjust and give their linebackers a chance to make play. These 3 guys should get help from BJ Butler (6-2, 268, Jr.), DeAngelo Brown (6-1, 316, Fr.) and Sheldon Rankins (6-2, 287 Fr). Butler will play End, Tackle, and even some LB here and there and I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see DeAngelo Brown REALLY get a lot of clock in this game. This group is going to be vital to the Cardinals success if UofL is going to win the Sugar Bowl.
On the outside Louisville will not get BJ Dubose back from a suspension that will end his season and instead will rely heavily on Deiontrez Mount (6-5, 234, Soph), Lorenzo Mauldin (6-4, 242, Soph) and Marcus Smith (6-3, 252, Jr.) along with some sprinkling in of Butler. When Florida drops back to pass there should be ample opportunity to sack the quarterback as referenced previously by the Gators allowing a sack in 12% of their dropbacks. Getting to the QB and containing the QB will be key. Much like the South Florida and Cincinnati game the rush angles can not be too steep or Driskel will be able to leak out for some gains. Also the ends MUST keep Gillislee between the tackles and within the reach of the Cardinal linebackers.
At linebacker the Cards are led by Linebacker Preston Brown (6-2, 255, Jr.) who was the Cardinals leading tackler in 2012 with 96. As linebackers go Preston is steady. He isn’t really flashy, he isn’t great at getting behind the line of scrimmage and making plays…….but he is extremely reliable at playing his role. I’d like to see Preston become more dynamic in pass coverage and when bringing pressure. But in the interim the Cardinals have someone who is going to play his position and not make mistakes which was good enough for 2nd Team ALL-Big East. Keith Brown (6-1, 230, Fr.) & George Durant really split a lot of time on the strongside and both were really nice additions for the Cards. Either could play multiple positions and the Cards routinely show different personnel groupings at linebacker (and D-line and secondary as well) for various situations. On the weakside Daniel Brown (6-1, 226, Sr.) & James Burgess will share the responsibility. Daniel Brown was injured for a large majority of the season, but was able to come back for the Rutgers game. Because the Cards play so much nickel the Will comes off field a lot. But against Florida I think we’ll actually see a lot of Preston, Keith, and Durant to stop the run.
In the secondary the Cards are led by a duo of 2nd Team ALL-Big East Safeties in Hakeem Smith (6-1, 187, Jr.) & Calvin Pryor (6-2, 213, Soph). Smith is no stranger to the All-Big East club as he has appeared on the list for 3 consecutive seasons. Pryor gives the Cards extremely physical & consistently play from the Free Safety position. Hakeem Smtih regularly plays pretty close to the LOS, but can drop into coverage. Smith finished 3rd on the team in tackles with 66 and really is a good run stopper and does well in zone. I’d love to see Smith improve his man skills, but he shouldn’t really need those against Florida. Calvin Pryor had a breakout season for the Cardinals and in my opinion was the Defensive MVP. Pryor finished 2nd on the team in takedowns with 94, had two INTs, and 4 forced fumbles. Against passing teams Pryor stayed well back to disallow the big play, and while the Cards probably gave up more yardage because of this style, Pryor’s sure tackling made sure that mostly all the Cards gave up were yards. Also it’s important to note that Jermaine Reve (6-0, 188, Fr) will factor in as a nickel back and has made some really key plays in 2012.
At Cornerback former Gator Adrian Bushell (5-11, 184, Sr.) will likely play every snap as that position group’s most veteran player. Bushell earned 1st Team ALL-Big East for the second consecutive year. I feel like in 2011 Bushell was on the 1st Team due to his special teams play, but in 2012 Bushell earned it on the island. Bushell can cover in man or zone, come up to help the run, and is still an outstanding special teams contributor. The other Corner position is really held down by committee of 3 sophomores: Terrell Floyd (5-10, 199, Soph), Andrew Johnson (5-9, 187, Soph), and Stephan Robinson (5-10, 170, Soph). Of the 3 Floyd made the most progress from year 1 to year 2. Robinson is extremely fast & physical, but isn’t the best cover man. Johnson is a sure tackler and very good in coverage but lacks top end speed. Floyd really improved his physicality. Who plays the most in the Sugar Bowl will really depend on who plays the best in practice and who the coaches feel can tackle & help on the run the most with as I don’t think the Gameplan is to worry much about Florida through the air and all of these guys should be fine in that regard. However, Florida’s targets will definitely have a significant size advantage over the Louisville corners….but UF fans already know Charlie Strong & Vance Bedford’s with smaller corners so that doesn’t have to be explained.
As scary as Florida’s Defense is their Offense is probably complete opposite. But that doesn’t mean Florida can’t make plays, and because of the field position that their defense and special teams provides for them they generally don’t have to go very far to score. That’s team football, it’s working within a plan and Florida doesn’t put their defense in bad positions either as they rarely turn the ball over. Florida had 12 turnovers on the season and SIX in one game. Louisville doesn’t necessarily need to force turnovers on defense but it wouldn’t hurt.
Special Teams
Florida is FANTASTIC special teams team. The Gators hit 82.1% of their field goals off the foot of Caleb Sturgis (1st Team ALL-SEC, 3rd Team ALL-American; AP). Sturgis got a lot of work in 2012 and hit 23 of 27 tries (including 32 of 33 PATs). Sturgis missed 2 tries from inside 29, and two more from outside 30. But Sturgis is clearly a fantastic kicker and was 3 for 3 from outside 50 yards. Keeping Florida on the other side of the 40 yard-line will be critical to not allowing points on a possession. Louisville’s John Wallace didn’t have nearly the attempts, but he did hit two game winners in his 14 of 17 Field Goals in 2012. Wallace’s misses both were from 40+ and he kicked in all kinds of conditions. Wallace’s leg is a big reason why Louisville was #1 in Red Zone Offense in 2012.
Florida blocked 4 kicks in 2012. Louisville Blocked one. Louisville was extremely close to several others, but as a special teams group there were a lot of mishaps for the Cards. Punt protection has at times been bad, several PATs have been blocked, kickoff return has given up all kinds of yards and a TD, and neither return unit has really had any real breakout run that wasn’t called back. Matt Elam is one to watch on special teams. Think Senorise Perry in 2011 on special teams x2 and that’s Matt Elam.
Florida is a pretty good punt return team when they choose to actually return the ball. On the year Florida averaged 13.83 yards per return (12th) but only returned 18 punts the entire season (73rd). In 2011 the Cards were the #1 Punt Return team in the country, but that performance has dropped off with new punter Ryan Johnson. Louisville finished the season just 114th in punting with an average of 38.04 yards per punt and gave up 8.14 yards per return on 21 returns from 48 punts. If I am Louisville I’m not as concerned about the return as much as I would be the block on punt team. The Gators, though have one of the best Punters in College Football in Kyle Christy (1st Team ALL-SEC, 3rd Team ALL-American; AP). Christy led UF to an average punt of 44.89 yards good enough for 7th in the nation. The Gators did give up 7.55 yards per return on 20 punts. I don’t think we’ll see a lot out of the return game for the Cards or Gators, but clearly Florida possesses nearly a 7-yard advantage in the punting game. In a defensive game that adds up.
In Kick Return Louisville was just awful defending KORs and getting anything in the return game themselves. The good news for UofL is that the Gators weren’t all that great returning kickoffs though they were very capable of stopping returns. I don’t expect to see anything too crazy on kickoffs but it only takes one block/missed assignment to make one possible. The Cards just need to avoid penalties, blocked kicks, and general disastrous mistakes in Special teams. I will keep an eye out for the quick and sudden 2-point conversion attempt from Stein to Marcus Smith.
My Prediction
Will it take a perfect game for Louisville to beat Florida? No. But the Cards cant win without a top effort. Florida’s offense isn’t going to scare anyone, but Mike Gillislee is the real deal. But the Gators don’t really even need their offense to win, their special teams and defense can easily make up the difference for a poor offensive showing. Louisville can NOT give Florida the short-field or make mistakes giving the ball to the Gators in their own territory. That’s how Florida wins. The key to beating Florida is to require the Gators to go the length of the field, meaning 70+ yards at the start of every possession. But that’s easier said than done. I do like Louisville closing their season with 3 teams of similar style and increasing difficulty as Florida. Temple, UConn, and Rutgers really are the same type of team as Florida, though the Gators would be the next step up the ladder of difficulty.
In 2012 Florida played 5 of the BCS Top 12 and finished 4-1. Average score in those games 24.8 to 15.4. I honestly see this game as low-scoring and when I think about how the game will play out a lot of it factors on 1) How are Louisville & Florida going to move the ball respectively? 2) Who wins the turnover battle? 3) Can Louisville run the ball?/Can the Cards stop the run? The answer for #1 for Florida is on the ground with Mike Gillislee and Louisville will do it with Bridgewater. But I really think patience will be the name of the game here. Both sides not forcing things and playing boa constrictor football is how this game will probably go….who can be the most disciplined? For #2 Florida clearly gets turnovers, but so does Louisville. Both teams were excellent at creating turnovers and also not giving it up themselves. I think Florida gets a slight edge here due to their style of keeping it on the ground and Louisville will definitely throw the ball more. #3 is going to be really tough for Louisville to run the ball, but maybe not as difficult to stop Gillislee.
So in saying all that, what situation are you most comfortable in? Florida with the ball down 4 with 3:00 minutes to play? Or Louisville with the ball down 4 with 3:00 minutes to play? Like so many other games, in my opinion Teddy Bridgewater is THE ‘X’ factor in the Sugar Bowl. Jeff Driskel can run, but he hasn’t had to do much else and didn’t get a lot of help in the passing game anyway. In a tight game, I want to be on the side of Bridgewater and with the offense that Louisville has as opposed to the offense Florida has. It’s not going to be easy, but I’ve picked the Cards in every game this season on the gridiron…..I’m not going to stop now. I’m on the train: Louisville 17 Florida 13
Attending, Listening, Watching
-Tickets are available through the two schools at GoCards.com and GatorZone.com. There are also tickets available on Ticketmaster.com and StubHub.com.
You can buy/sell your tickets through Ticketmaster here.
-The Allstate Sugar Bowl will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA at 8:30 EST/7:30 CST.
-The Sugar Bowl will be broadcast on ESPN with Sean McDonough on the play-by-play, Chris Spielman with analysis, and Quint Kessenich.
-You can hear the game on 790 AM WKRD or on the other UofL Radio Network Affiliates. With Paul Rogers, Joe Tronzo, and Doug Ormay. Note 840 WHAS will be broadcasting the Kentucky vs. Eastern Michigan Baksetball game. Louisville’s basketball game that evening vs. Providence can be heard on 1080 WKJK. Of course you can listen to whatever you like on UofL All-Access or through subscription on the CardsMobile App. Gator fans can listen on the Gator IMG Sports Network and will be presented by Mick Hubert, Lee McGriff, and Brady Ackerman.
Bowl Events/Things to Do
Check out UofLAlumni.Org & The Cardinal Athletic Fund websites for up to date fan event schedules:
Monday, December 31st – New Year’s Eve
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
UofL Alumni Association Welcome Desk and Info Center
New Orleans Marriott Lobby
555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Alumni and fans are encouraged to visit the desk to get the latest information on Cardinal events in New Orleans, get visitor info and find answers to questions. Each day the Alumni Association will give away a special Cardinal gift to all alumni and fans who visit the desk and drop a business card (while supplies last). Enter to win Raffle Prizes!
Noon – 8 p.m.
Allstate® Fan Fest
Decatur Street Lot
Don’t miss the excitement of the seventh annual Allstate® Fan Fest located in the Jax Brewery parking lots off Decatur Street in the French Quarter. This year’s Fan Fest will be a two-day event (Dec. 31 and Jan. 1). The event is completely FREE and will be highlighted by concerts by award-winning national-recording artists. For full details, visit www.allstatesugarbowl.org/site29.php
Huey Lewis & The News will play at 6:15.
2 – 5 p.m.
Cardinal Central Happy Hour
New Orleans Marriott – 55 Fahrenheit
555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Join UofL alumni, fans, and friends for a meet-and-greet at the 55 Fahrenheit wine bar and lounge as we celebrate the Cardinals’ second BCS bowl game in school history. Enjoy special Cardinal Cocktails, watch sporting events on the many televisions in the bar and mingle with friends. Cash bar. Event Hosted by the UofL Alumni Association. No RSVP necessary.
9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
UofL Alumni Association New Year’s Eve Party
Tropical Isle at Bourbon & Orleans
721 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
The UofL Alumni Association is sponsoring a casual and fun NYE party at Tropical Isle Bourbon. Alumni and fans can meet in this common spot on Bourbon Street at any time on NYE to meet up with fellow Cardinals. No RSVP necessary.
Private Balcony Party at “Top of the Trop”
Tropical Isle at Bourbon & Orleans (second floor)
721 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
If you are seeking something a little more exclusive and want to have that unique balcony experience, register for our private party at “Top of the Trop” on the second floor of Tropical Isle Bourbon. Enjoy NYE on one of Bourbon Street’s largest wrap around balconies with a fabulous view of Bourbon Street, the St. Louis Cathedral and “Touchdown Jesus.” This party includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, beads, a special gift and a champagne toast at midnight from your Alumni Association – all in a club environment in the heart of Bourbon Street. Space is limited!
RSVP Required for the Private “Top of the Trop” Balcony Party
$60 per person
Age 21 and over only
Note: This event setting is a casual, club environment, which includes a small number of bistro style tables and will be mostly standing room. An RSVP does not guarantee you will have a seat or table.
NO REFUNDS
What you need to know about NYE in NOLA:
Jackson Square is a hub of activity for fun and excitement with live entertainment starting several hours before midnight and continuing until the Big Moment when a mystery over-sized object drops from Jax Brewery and officially signals the New Year. What will it be this year? The traditional “Baby Bacchus” from past years or the purple and gold “LSU Baby” from last year? Come join the NYE action and find out! Immediately following the baby drop is a spectacular, 15-minute fireworks display launched skyward from twin barges anchored in mid-river. This colorful, sonic-booming, pyrotechnic extravaganza is consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation.
After the music, festivities and fireworks, the party STILL isn’t over! That’s when the crowd moves over to Bourbon Street or elsewhere in the French Quarter, or to nearby Frenchmen Street for a night of celebrating. Find a lively bar (We suggest Tropical Isle Bourbon), a music club, or just celebrate in the street. The party can go on till the wee hours…or longer… You’ll find live music, exotic drink specialties, great food, and happy people celebrating in the streets wherever you choose to go in the French Quarter.
Tuesday, January 1st – New Year’s Day
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
UofL Alumni Association Welcome Desk and Info Center
New Orleans Marriott Lobby
555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Alumni and fans are encouraged to visit the desk to get the latest information on Cardinal events in New Orleans, get visitor info and find answers to questions. Each day the Alumni Association will give away a special Cardinal gift to all alumni and fans who visit the desk and drop a business card (while supplies last). Enter to win Raffle Prizes!
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
UofL Alumni Association New Year’s Day Brunch River Cruise
Steamboat NATCHEZ
Toulouse St. Wharf behind Jax Brewery
Members of the UofL Alumni Association Board of Directors invite alumni, fans, and friends for a New Orleans style pre-game brunch and cruise up and down the mighty Mississippi River aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ. Your two-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter takes you back when cotton was king and life was slow and graceful as the current on the Mississippi. Let us show you New Orleans, one of the world’s most active ports, as it can best be seen from the river aboard New Orleans’ only authentic steamboat…The Steamboat NATCHEZ. This private Cardinal steamboat cruise includes a gourmet menu of Etouffee, Gulf Shrimp, Prime Rib Carving Station, pastas, fruit, cheese, salad, bread pudding, soft drinks, beer, wine, bloody Marys, mimosas, and a live jazz band. There will be no better way to spend New Year’s Day. Space is limited.
RSVP Required for the Steamboat NATCHEZ River Cruise
UofL Rate: $65 per person all inclusive; $48 per person under 21
Boarding to begin at 11 a.m. at the Toulouse St. Wharf behind Jax Brewery
Cruising 11:30 a.m.* – 1:30 p.m.
*you must arrive on time for boarding. Cruise departs promptly at 11:30 a.m.
NO REFUNDS
Noon – 8 p.m.
Allstate® Fan Fest
Decatur Street Lot
Don’t miss the excitement of the seventh annual Allstate® Fan Fest located in the Jax Brewery parking lots off Decatur Street in the French Quarter. This year’s Fan Fest will be a two-day event (Dec. 31 and Jan. 1). The event is completely FREE and will be highlighted by concerts by award-winning national-recording artists. For full details, visit www.allstatesugarbowl.org/site29.php
Louisville Pep Rally at 3:15, Florida Pep Rally at 4:45.
FUN. Concert 6:30.
2 – 5 p.m.
Cardinal Central Happy Hour
New Orleans Marriott – 55 Fahrenheit
555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Join UofL alumni, fans, and friends for a meet-and-greet at the 55 Fahrenheit wine bar and lounge as we celebrate the Cardinals’ second BCS bowl game in school history. Enjoy special Cardinal Cocktails, watch sporting events on the many televisions in the bar and mingle with friends. Cash bar. Event Hosted by the UofL Alumni Association. No RSVP necessary.
8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Official Fan Party
House of Blues
225 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Cardinal fans are invited to a fan party and pep rally, sponsored by University of Louisville President’s Office, University of Louisville Athletics, and Anthony Travel. Space is limited. RSVP Required. More details to come…
Wednesday, January 2nd – Sugar Bowl Game Day
2 – 5 p.m.
Cardinal Headquarters Pre-Game Happy Hour
New Orleans Marriott – 55 Fahrenheit
555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Join UofL alumni, fans, and friends for a meet-and-greet at the 55 Fahrenheit wine bar and lounge as we celebrate the Cardinals’ second BCS bowl game in school history. Enjoy special Cardinal Cocktails, watch sporting events on the many televisions in the bar and mingle with friends. Cash bar. Event Hosted by the UofL Alumni Association. No RSVP necessary
5 p.m. (approx.)
Football Team Send-off at New Orleans Marriott
New Orleans Marriott – 55 Fahrenheit
555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Greet the Cardinal Football Team and cheer them on as they depart for the stadium to prepare for battle.
5 – 7 p.m.
Cardinal Men’s Basketball vs. Providence Game Watch
New Orleans Marriott – 55 Fahrenheit
555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
4 – 7:30 p.m.
Allstate® Sugar Bowl Fan Jam
Mercedes-Benz Superdome (Champions Square)
Get to the Dome early for a first-rate tailgate party to be held at Champions Square. The party begins three hours before kickoff and lasts until the game begins. Fan Jam features food, interactive games and entertainment, including special appearances by both schools’ bands and cheerleading squads. Free for fans of all ages.. No RSVP necessary.
www.allstatesugarbowl.org/site30.php
7:30 p.m.
79th Allstate® Sugar Bowl Football Classic
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
The 79th Annual Allstate® Sugar Bowl Football Classic will feature the University of Florida, from the Southeastern Conference, against the University of Louisville, from the Big East Conference, on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. and will be televised by ESPN. This year will mark the 27th time the Sugar Bowl has featured two 10-win teams.
New Year’s Eve From NewOrelansOnline.com: Fireworks, Dining & Entertainment & stuff for the Kids.
New Year’s Day: BOURBON HEAT on Bourbon St at the Sugar Bowl Tuesday, Jan 1st with the Official CARDS Headquarters From Joey Wagner.
Don’t miss Sugar Bowl Fan Jam at@MBSuperdome Champions Square from 4-7 pm on game day. Music by Mojeaux.
2nd Line Parade 1/1/2013 at 11:30 a.m. through the French Quarter beginning at Pat O’Brien’s & will finish at Arnaud’s Restuarant: A Second Line is a tradition of New Orleans where a band leads a group of people in celebration.
(If you would like your event, party, or attraction listed here and I omitted it, please e-mail me CardsandCats2011@gmail.com and I’ll get it added).
NOTE: Louisville is Team B and shown in Blue for some reason on this chart.
