Today started the next chapter of the UofL football program and the Bobby Petrino era. The anticipation of a new football season is as high as it’s ever been. Although expectations seem to be tempered the Cardinals were picked to finish 3rd in the Atlantic Division at their first ACC media days and were ranked #36 in the first USA Today Coaches Poll, receiving 32 votes.
Petrino, led the Cardinals to a 41-9 record from 2003-06. He inherits a team that went 23-3 the past two seasons but will see a much higher level of competition in the ACC. There is a lot of talent remaining on the team and there are a core group of guys who know what it takes to be winners.
“I compare it to when I was here the first time and was coming off a team that was coached by John L. Smith,” said Petrino “(They’re) a group of guys that know how to work hard and have positive attitudes and are used to winning games.
“That’s really made the transition easy for our staff because the guys really have a good work ethic. The quicker that we get over that there’s a change and just adapt to it, the better chance we have to be a championship team. I’ve been really impressed with our attitudes.”
There was a good turn-out to help welcome in the start of this new season tonight at the open practice. You could feel the anticipation in the air. The Cardinal faithful have boarded the train and it has left the station. There are many exciting stops along the way this season starting with the September 1st date with Miami and hopefully ending with the final stop in a BCS Bowl game.
I was most impressed with the Running Backs this evening. That group is going to be huge for us this season. The practice was very intense and the guys were going hard. Got a lot of photos and some video tonight. Hope you enjoy!
Offense vs Defense
