I've got one stop to make on my way to the stadium: Super Cuts.
Game Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Papa John's Cardinal Stadium: Louisville, KY
Television: ESPNU
Favorite: Louisville by 55.5
All-Time Series: Louisville leads 10-6
Last Meeting: Louisville won 68-0 in 1990
Anxiety Level (1-10): .5. There will never be a win that's as guaranteed as the one we're about to witness occur in a few hours. Enjoy the extra week of vacation nerves.
Pregame Meal: Assorted tailgate foods
Game Attire: Carmody jersey is getting the call on opening day. A veteran of last season, white "Cards Rule" shirt, will be handling the undershirt duties.
Predicted Star of the Game: Travis Norton. Brohm's going to light it up, Harry and Mario are going to do their thing, and the running backs are going to be aided by holes I could run through, but it seems like in games like this there's always a backup defensive back who has the ball thrown right at him multiple times. Norton has had a very solid offseason, so he gets my nod to be that guy tonight.
Game Will be a Success If: Everything looks smooth on offense, no big plays allowed by the defense or special teams, no injuries.
Game Wil be a Horrible, Horrible Failure If: A starter gets seriously injured, the offense looks like it wouldn't work against a team that could beat Trinity, we win by less than 40 points.
Notable and Quotable:
--Louisville's current streak of 18 home wins is second best in the country, behind only USC.
--Harry Douglas has broken the 100-yard mark in each of his last three games.
--"It's part of the process, I think it's necessary to play these games. From a football standpoint, even if we play 14 games and make it to the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) Championship, we won't see another team like Louisville. It's an in-state game and the kids are excited, and that makes it a game worth playing. It's a great challenge, it's on national television, and I have a lot of respect for Coach (Steve) Kragthorpe. He did an outstanding job at Tulsa and I believe he will match what Louisville has built there." --Murray State Head Coach Matt Griffin
CC Prediction: Louisville 66, Murray State 6
Forget about the opponent, football season is here. Get excited people.
