The UofL vs UK rivalry has been recently re-born, unpredictable and ever exciting for both sides. CardinalSportsZone.com had been counting down the days with followers and Cardinal fans for over three weeks and yesterday, Sunday September 2nd 2012 finally arrived. Leading up to yesterday’s Governor’s Cup match we couldn’t help but wonder how much it was going to be affected by rain and what affects the rain would have on the game if any. Regardless of the weather, this game had to be played, after all state bragging rights for a year were at stake!
When the game finally began, the rain had slowed considerably and even cleared up at one point. Louisville won the toss and deferred to Kentucky while choosing to defend the south end zone. Kentucky started with the ball on their own 25 and looked as if they might have some rhythm starting out. UK’s first rush was for 5yds and first pass was for 12. To be exact, the Wildcats put together a 3:28 second drive consisting of 8 plays for 30 yards before the Cardinal defense was able to force Kentucky to punt. Cardinals would start in just the opposite fashion, as the Wildcats’ punt would go 35yds to the 10 where Louisville WR Kai Dominquez would be hit by UK CB Martavius Neloms as he attempted to pull the ball in, causing a fumble. For a short moment it looked as if the ball would go into the end-zone and the Cards would either give up a safety or a touchdown. Luckily Cards CB Adrian Bushell would put a hand on the ball, giving Cards RB Senorise Perry just enough time to roll onto the ball on the 1yd line. From a spectator’s standpoint, it was as if the air had been sucked out of Cardinal Stadium at that moment. From the 1 yard line, we would begin with a Teddy Bridgewater keeper for a gain of only 1 followed by a Jeremy Wright run that gained zero. Just as third down would be the end of the Wildcats drive, 3rd down signified the beginning of a Cards touchdown drive that consisted of 15 plays lasting 8:21 and resulting in the 1st of three Jeremy Wright touch downs on the day plus a 2-point conversion thrown by backup QB Will Stein. Hat’s off to the Cardinal O-line, 8-0 UofL!
Kentucky would continue to fight as QB Maxwell Smith began the 2nd q. with a mix of sideline screen passes and run plays resulting in Kentucky’s first and only score of the first half, making the score 8-7. Louisville would immediately strike again on the following drive with a couple of rushes, a few passes and then an eruption down the sideline for 47yds by RB Senorise Perry making the score 15-7. Kentucky would now lose confidence and momentum considerably as they’d go three-&-out on their next series giving Louisville the ball once again and the Cats would never recover.
The final score of the game (32-14) was reflective of the Cardinals overall dominance even though the Wildcats were arguably let off easy since Teddy Bridgewater never touched the field after the 4:37 mark in the 3rd quarter. That was also when RB Jeremy Wright completed his “hat trick” giving the cards a comfortable 32-7 lead. Today Teddy Bridgewater was named Big East Player of the Week going 19-21 for 232yds in less than three-quarters of play. Wow!!
The Cards held up to the hype and showed why they are the only top 25 Big East team in College Football. For the rest of this season the Governor’s Cup will rest in Louisville with the Cardinals having settled the battle(Louisville leads the modern series 11-8). Louisville was clearly the better team and they look to improve to 2-0 as they host Missouri State this Saturday at Cardinal Stadium.
“Stay Hungry” are the words that Teddy Bridgewater spoke and had on his sporty T-shirt at yesterday’s press conference so don’t expect any let down from the Cards this Saturday. Game time is 3:30 so get there early!! Be sure to follow CardinalSportsZone.com for the latest info and updates. Go Cards!!! #CSZ