– Cards win a scuffle in South Beach

The Cards found themselves in a scuffle on a rained soaked Saturday night in South Beach and the FIU Panthers were matching them blow for blow. The environment was as highly charged as it was expected to be as family and friends watched former hometown heroes go at it with their respective college programs. Teddy QB had his toughest night of the season but he was determined not to let his homecoming be spoiled by the Panthers and would lead his team to the victory 28-21 as the Cards go to 4-0 for the first time since 2006.

Teddy QB: “We’re 4-0 now. We’re happy.”

Tonight was also a night of first for the Louisville Cardinals. It was their first road trip, it was the first time they had to play from behind, and it was the first time Teddy QB would throw an interception. But this young football team was determined not to let it be the first loss of the season and this game is just another learning experience that will pay big dividends down the road. Coach Strong has to be overjoyed because anytime you can have a valuable learning experience and still win a game that is good stuff.

Coach Strong: “We were able to finish.”

As mentioned above Teddy QB was not as sharp as he was in his previous efforts but was still the best offensive option for the Cards completing 19 of 36 passes for 194 yards with a pair of interceptions to go with two touchdowns. And he added a score on the ground. Medlock completed 10 of 16 passes for 116 yards before he was hurt. And he looked very good in the pocket for FIU. E.J. Hilliard replaced Medlock at quarterback and was 9 for 10 for 82 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers. He really made it rough on a Louisville defense that has trouble with a scrambling QB.

The Cards defense also showed some discipline on Saturday night as they were able to hold a Panthers offense who was averaging 420 yards of total offense well under that average.

I expect the Cards to drop a few spots in the rankings tomorrow as they did have a tough battle against a lesser opponent. They end this home and home series with FIU 1-1. And even though FIU may not be the big name program they sure did provide some great competition and they have some great talent.

Whats next for the Cards? They come back to Louisville and get ready to face a Southern Miss (0-3, 0-1) team that got blasted on Saturday night by WKU. The Cards will be on the road again next weekend under the lights on a Saturday Night at 8PM in Hattiesburg, MS in M.M. Roberts Stadium.