A challenging day already, Card Game going down for six hours, the rain arriving early, and Cincinnati looming in the immediate future.

Thanks to Darrin out in Utah for getting the site back up, giving the observer back his life, returning him to his obsession with University of Louisville football.

Since the series began in 1929, there has never been a game with so many ramifications. Somehow Louisville is undefeated after seven games, receiving just enough respect to be ranked 16th in the latest Associated Press poll. Cincinnati, meanwhile, has dropped out of sight in the polls.

Louisville has a huge responsibility to do well, practically carrying the Big East on its shoulders. Without the perfect records of UofL and Rutgers, the conference would not still be in the discussions for seventh qualifying bowl in the new playoff system. If these two teams lose their way, the conference’s bargaining power is significantly weakened.

The skeptics don’t need many excuses to downplay what UofL has accomplished thus far this season, performing well below expectations on defense. Cincinnati arrives averaging 225 rushing yards per game and 467.5 yards overall. UC has outscored its opponents 48-9 in the first quarter and 75-20 in the first half.

Louisville could be tested early and often.

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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.