Rivalry Week

Here we are, finally. Fifty weeks after Louisville last played and lost to Kentucky 31-27 in Lexington. Thirty-six weeks since Steve Kragthorpe was fired, having never beaten Louisville's archrival. Thirty-four weeks since Tom Jurich hired a man named Charlie Strong to bring Louisville back from the brink -- inevitably, this meant Beat Kentucky.

The first game in a newly-expanded Papa John's -- played against Kentucky. The start of an overdue head coaching career -- to be begun against Kentucky. The beginning of a hopeful chapter in Louisville football history -- and standing in our way is Kentucky. Cardinals versus Wildcats, Cards vs. Cats. It's here.

Rivalry week in the Bluegrass State is finally upon us, and as you can maybe tell, we are excited. This week marks the end of summer, in favor of fall, football, tailgating. This year, it marks the beginning of Charlie Strong's career at Louisville, which all Cards fans have eagerly awaited since December. We will spend the week previewing Saturday's game, getting hyped, anticipating all that is to come.

And yet, who's really to know what to expect? The fate of the Cards is hopeful but uncertain; they have leadership but lack talent. The collective wisdom has settled on three to five wins as most realistic; but Coach Strong has said these seniors deserve a bowl game. To do so, this team will have to surpass the expectations of virtually anyone who has paid them more than a passing glance. This entire season will be a battle. It will not always be pretty. But these Cards could yet show us something special. The struggle begins on Saturday, against our fiercest adversary and most bitter opponent. I can't wait.

Man I want to beat them this year. Beat Kentucky. Go Cards.