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Mark Schlabach (ESPN) gives his Sugar Bowl prediction
From ESPN.com:
Allstate Sugar Bowl
No. 21 Louisville vs. No. 3 Florida, Jan. 2 (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Why to watch: The Gators came within one victory of playing for an SEC championship and potentially a BCS national title. The Cardinals are coached by former Gators defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, who helped UF win two BCS national championships.
Who to watch: Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater showed his toughness by playing with a broken left wrist on his nonthrowing hand in the Cardinals’ 20-17 victory at Rutgers on Nov. 29, which punched their ticket to the Sugar Bowl. Bridgewater completed 69 percent of his passes this season for 3,452 yards with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Motivation for Louisville: The Cardinals can earn a lot of respect for the beleaguered Big East by upsetting a top team from the SEC.
Motivation for Florida: The Gators won 11 games in coach Will Muschamp’s second season and might be able to finish No. 2 in the final polls with another victory.
Pick: Florida 42, Louisville 17
Layup Lines: UofL at Cincinnati
With 4 regular season games remaining for the Cards, every game in important in the Big East race. After starting out 2-4 in the conference, it was hard to imagine that the 17th ranked Louisville Cardinals (21-6, 9-5) would be in a position to possibly get a double-bye in the Big East Tournament. The next step is a tough road game tonight against the rival Cincinnati Bearcats (19-8, 9-5).
