The Keg of Nails: Louisville vs Cincinnati

By: Paige Sherrard

Although both schools are known more for an intense basketball rivalry, the University of Louisville and University of Cincinnati have a football rivalry that has stretched the span of three conferences. Believed to be the University of Louisville’s oldest football rivalry, the Louisville versus Cincinnati football game never fails to be a great game.

Since the first game in October 1929, a traveling trophy, known as the Keg of Nails, has been awarded to the winning team. The Keg of Nails is a replica of a keg used to ship nails. It is believed that Fraternity chapters on the Cincinnati and Louisville campuses initiated the exchange of the keg. It signifies the winning team being “tough as nails.”

However, it is rumored that the present keg, adorned with the logos of both schools as well as the scores of the previous games, is not the original. Many sources say the original keg was actually misplaced during construction at the University of Louisville.

This year marks the 50th meeting of the two schools. With Cincinnati leading the series 28-20-1, including wins the last four years, and both teams being ranked in the Top 25, it seems the Cardinals have quite a game on their hands.

In a Press Conference Monday morning, Coach Strong praised Cincinnati’s coaching staff.

Strong told the Press, “We’re looking forward to the Cincinnati matchup.” Reminding them, “We’ve lost the last four to them as a program, including two with our [present] staff.”

This Cardinal Football team is only the third team in school history to open with a 7-0 record. The Cards have not opened a season with a 7-0 record since the 2006 season, in which the Cards went 12-1 under Head Coach Bobby Petrino.

On Louisville, Cincinnati Head Coach, Butch Jones says, “Skill, Quarterback, Defense, you name it. They’re a complete football team.”

The game is set to be aired on ESPN 2/ WatchESPN this Friday. Kick off is at 8pm.