The Cardinals arrived in St. Petersburg, Florida on Wednesday for a bowl appearance after being picked to finish last in the Big East before the start of the season. Louisville conducted a pair of long and strenuous practices in the Florida heat. "I like the focus and the intensity of our guys so far," said Strong. "They have come to work and get ready for this football game. We have given them some time to do some things, but when we come out to practice, it's all business, and they have responded." ... "It's awesome down here," said quarterback Justin Burke, who will make the start. "The weatehr has been good and we are lucky to get to come here early. The preparatiion has been solid and everyone is here to win this game." The Cardinals were missing eight seniors who stayed in Louisville on Thursday to graduate. "It was great to be allowed to graduate," said Adam Froman. "My family came down to see me get my degree. I would have loved to have been with my teammates, but it meant a lot to get my degree." Louisville will practice Saturday and Sunday, then take Monday off before Tuesday's contest.