Mangok Mathiang, a 6-10, 205-pound center from the Sudan “has been cleared academically and will begin classes Monday at the University of Louisville,” according to a report from Eric Crawford. Hopefully his arrival on campus means Mathiang will have smooth sailing through the NCAA clearinghouse as well.
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If UofL stays in the Big East Conference, the stage is set for the onset of an intense rivalry, starting with the 2013 season when Boise joins the league. Boise State is 24th and U of L 25th in the pre-season Associated Press poll. The teams have met twice before, Boise State edging UofL 34-31 in the Humanitarian Bowl in 1999, Louisville winning the Liberty Bowl encounter 44-40 in 2004.
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Don’t expect UofL to suddenly become a high-powered offense with a sophomore, as good as Teddy Bridgewater is, running the show. This team’s mainstay will continue to be on defense. Louisville was ranked 14th in the nation in total defense and ninth in pass defense. The Cards held seven opponents to less than 300 yards in games last season and less than 200 yards passing nine times.
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Visitation to pay respects to Owsley Brown Frazier will be held Tuesday, Aug. 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Brown & Williamson Club in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. A time to show appreciation for all Frazier did for UofL, in academics and athletics.