Briefly revisiting the U of L win over Cincinnati. The Cardinals’ defensive unit received rare praise from an unexpected source yesterday. Ben Mauk, the UC quarterback, told the Cincinnati Post:

“Louisville is a great defense. They fly around and have good team speed. It’s not like we’re playing against air out there … “

One did get the impression that the defense matured somewhat after what could have been a disastrous first quarter. It was also obvious, however, that they still had a way to go when UC receiver dropped a wide open pass in the fourth quarter. Equally apparent is that these guys are working on getting better, serving notice in posing a serious challenge to a good quarterback on the final series of downs.

The emergence of South Florida among the top five in the latest polls provides further evidence of refreshing change in the college football world. The No. 2 Bulls present a football program that didn’t even exist 13 years ago.

Wonder how the old guard is taking this? A huge segment of fans, writers and coaches has a problem accepting change. Their collective idea of college football power is limited to such programs as Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, etc.

Louisville began to change those perceptions last year en route to an Orange Bowl win, unfortunately passing the mantle to South Florida this season. No time to think about what could have been. While it’s hard to admit, U of L fans knew in their guts that Petrino’s departure meant it would take just a while longer to realize Schnellenberger’s vision.

One game at a time, and nobody is looking past UConn or Pittsburgh, but one has to consider the possibilities when the Cards meet South Florida in three weeks, especially if the Bulls survive Rutgers this Thursday. All eyes will be on Tampa, the Bulls and the Cards.

Briefly revisiting the U of L win over Cincinnati. The Cardinals’ defensive unit received rare praise from an unexpected source yesterday. Ben Mauk, the UC quarterback, told the Cincinnati Post:

“Louisville is a great defense. They fly around and have good team speed. It’s not like we’re playing against air out there … “

One did get the impression that the defense matured somewhat after what could have been a disastrous first quarter. It was also obvious, however, that they still had a way to go when UC receiver dropped a wide open pass in the fourth quarter. Equally apparent is that these guys are working on getting better, serving notice in posing a serious challenge to a good quarterback on the final series of downs.

What a strange football season. A sense of fair play forces me to acknowledge UK’s win over a No. 1 team. The win was noteworthy but there’s nothing unusual about top 10 team teams getting beat. Anybody can beat anybody, and they are doing it this season. We salute you with one hand UK but we disrespect you with the other. As Yoda would say, “The joy, we do not share.”

What a strange football season. A sense of fair play forces me to acknowledge UK’s win over a No. 1 team. The win was noteworthy but there’s nothing unusual about top 10 team teams getting beat. Anybody can beat anybody, and they are doing it this season. We salute you with one hand UK but we disrespect you with the other. As Yoda would say, “The joy, we do not share.”

• Say it again: Cards have won the last five games against Cincinnati and nine out of the last 10 games in the rivalry. UC’s first loss this season, ending a nine-game win streak.

• Brian Brohm showed more mobility than we are used to seeing from him. Needed that, got it.

• How about those receivers? Harry Douglas is back! Patrick Carter is the real thing. Scott Long, welcome aboard, your trainee days are over. Cincinnati challenged every one of those catches.

• How about that defensive pressure during Cincinnati’s last series, should be real a confidence builder. Great pick there, Mr. Turenne!

• How about that big time gambler Kragthorpe, having U of L run the ball on fourth down from its own 29 yard line? Major gamble against a stingy defense. Nice payout.

• Is Brock Bolen the heart and soul of this team or what? One tough guy who never ever quits.

• Thanks for the win, guys, that should quiet the critics for at least a week.

• Say it again: Cards have won the last five games against Cincinnati and nine out of the last 10 games in the rivalry. UC’s first loss this season, ending a nine-game win streak.

• Brian Brohm showed more mobility than we are used to seeing from him. Needed that, got it.

• How about those receivers? Harry Douglas is back! Patrick Carter is the real thing. Scott Long, welcome aboard, your trainee days are over. Cincinnati challenged every one of those catches.

• How about that defensive pressure during Cincinnati’s last series, should be real a confidence builder. Great pick there, Mr. Turenne!

• How about that big time gambler Kragthorpe, having U of L run the ball on fourth down from its own 29 yard line? Major gamble against a stingy defense. Nice payout.

• Is Brock Bolen the heart and soul of this team or what? One tough guy who never ever quits.

• Thanks for the win, guys, that should quiet the critics for at least a week.

Juan Palacios may get a red shirt year after suffering an injury in basketball practice Saturday morning. The early diagnosis was a sprained MCL and depending on the severity of the injury, Palacios may redshirt this season, coach Rick Pitino said. Red Shirt