Eleven reasons the University of Louisville needs to beat UConn Friday evening at  Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium:



  1. Put the Cards among the leaders in the Big East Conference standings for the first time since 2006.

  2. Keep the Steve Kragthorpe critics at bay, keep them from poisoning the atmosphere around UofL football.

  3. Spare Card fans from a barrage of cliches about things that need to be corrected.

  4. Verify that UofL’s defense has improved dramatically under defensive coordinator Ron English, wiping out the memory of three Kansas State touchdown passes.

  5. Maintain attendance averages of more than 41,000 fans per game. UofL is currently averaging 41,199 after the first three games.

  6. Create an atmosphere for growing ticket demand in an expanded stadium.

  7. Improve recruiting, serving notice that UofL football is intent on competing at the highest levels.

  8. Rekindle speculation about Hunter Cantwell’s potential as a quality NFL quarterback.

  9. Confirm that Jeff Brohm is an exceptional offensive coordinator when he has more starters with game experience than not, as occurred in the opener against UK.

  10. Destroy the myth that Lexington is the football capitol of the state before that myth gains momentum.

  11. Prevent a basketball-spoiled community from turning its attention elsewhere.


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The Pitini Cocktail — Rick Pitino will be signing Rebound Rules, his new success-targeted book on Wednesday, Oct. 1, starting at 7 p.m. at Carmichael’s Book Store, 2720 Frankfort Avenue in Crescent Hill. Carol Besse, of Carmichael’s, shares this about a unique opportunity to meet and chat with the coach beforehand:
“Prior to the public signing, we’re hosting a cocktail party/fundraiser with Coach Pitino at Porcini Restaurant, 2730 Frankfort Avenue.  Only 60 tickets will be sold to this event.  Tickets are $100 each, and include a copy of the book, wine & cheese, and a special cocktail created specially for this event, the Pitini.


“Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Daniel Pitino Foundation, Coach Pitino’s charity that benefits needy children.”
For tickets or more information, you may call Carol at 896-6950 or e-mail her at carmichaelsbooks@bellsouth.net .  More details are also available on the U of L Alumni site.


Charlie Springer
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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.