LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - The 2012-2013 football season has been historic for
the Louisville Cardinals and now the team will play in the Sugar Bowl in
January.
After a strong 10-2 season, the attention is turning to the Bowl
Championship Series.
The Cards have moved up to #22 in the AP poll and sources report that the
Cards will head to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to take on Florida.
"I'm so happy for this program, just happy for this University. It's
been a great week for this University," University of Louisville Head
Football Coach Charlie Strong said Sunday night in a media conference.
Strong says it will take a lot of practice and dedication from his team to
prepare for the matchup in Florida.
"A lot of our players are from the state of Florida, they know how good
that program is. A lot of them grew up watching that program, so there
isn't much to be said. You're looking at the number three team in the
country, so you don't need to say much at all. The respect is already there,”
Strong said.
When asked if he would have preferred a different opponent, Strong said, “I'm
just happy for this program to get to a BCS Bowl game, and I think that's more
important than who you have to play. It’s just that they worked hard
enough, these players, they deserve to go play in a BCS Bowl game.”
Strong commented on Florida's football program, saying, “It is a program
that's been consistent year in and year out, they are always going to compete
on the national level. It is a program of excellence.”
While he's thrilled to return to a BCS Bowl, UofL Athletic Director Tom
Jurich doesn't expect his program to profit from the trip.
"Actually, I'm not sure we broke even going to the Orange Bowl last
time. Because there are so many more commitments, the dollar figures for
the hotel are much higher, they're mandatory where you stay," Jurich said
Sunday.
The move comes despite rumors that head coach Charlie Strong is interviewing
for other jobs.
The Cards will take on the Florida Gators in the Sugar Bowl on January 2,
2013 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Florida Head Coach Will Muschamp also commented about the matchup against
Louisville.
"Lot of respect and for the football team they have. Of course,
Charlie Strong was a huge part of two national championships here at the
University of Florida in '06 and '08. He's an outstanding defensive
coordinator and a good friend,” Muschamp said.
The UofL ticket office is expected to be busy Monday morning with fans
rushing to get tickets.
Officials say football season ticket holders have already been offered first
dibs on Bowl tickets. Ticket sales are now open to the public.
Cardinal fans can reserve bowl ticket by calling the UofL Ticket Office at
502-852-5151 or online by clicking
here.
Copyright 2012 WAVE News. All rights reserved.
Florida Head Coach Will Muschamp also commented about the matchup against
Louisville.
"Lot of respect and for the football team they have. Of course,
Charlie Strong was a huge part of two national championships here at the
University of Florida in '06 and '08. He's an outstanding defensive
coordinator and a good friend," Muschamp said.
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