Game Day: Louisville at Rutgers

Mike Rutherford — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:05:17 -0000

LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (5-6, 1-5) At RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS (6-5, 4-2)

Game Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Rutgers Stadium: Piscataway, N.J.

Television: ESPN

Announcers: Chris Fowler/Craig James/Jesse Palmer/Erin Andrews

Favorite: Rutgers by 11

All-Time Series: Rutgers leads 5-2

Last Meeting: Louisville won 41-38 in 2007

Excitement Level (1-10): 2.9

There's a very solid chance I may have to miss the first 15 or so minutes of this game, and I informed the involved parties that I was OK with this. Not a statement I've been able to make many times over the last 24 years.

Game Attire: Black "The Ville" shirt

Hasn't been worn since the New Year's Day loss to Cincinnati almost a year ago, so why not throw him out there tonight.

Predicted Star of the Game: Victor Anderson

Why the hell not?

Obscure and Bold Prediction(s): Either Kenny Britt or Tiquan Underwood goes for more than 200 yards receiving.

Notable and Quotable

--Rutgers is riding a five-game win streak, and has outscored its opponents 114-36 in the month of November.

--Kenny Britt leads the nation in receiving yards per game and ranks sixth in total receptions.

--Rutgers leads the Big East in conference play in scoring offense (29.5), pass efficiency (144.5), third-down conversions (44.8%). red zone offense (17-of-19, 89.5%) and fewest penalty yardage per game (41.8).

--Louisville needs a victory to avoid its first losing season in ten years.

--“We’re frustrated with productivity in terms of points.” --Steve Kragthorpe

--"It's real important for us to finish this season at least at .500. It will get everyone's confidence back so we can go into next year with our heads up." --Jon Dempsey

--"I think it's dangerous for players to start reflecting when you have a game to play. You take your eyes off the prize. Sometimes I've seen guys get too emotional for their final game, and then the only emotion they'll have for the rest of their lives is regret because they didn't play well in their final game." --Greg Schiano

“If you look at what’s gone on over the course of the year, you’d probably say we do (have an advantage). But I don’t think so, because the guys that are playing are extremely talented. They might not be as experienced as they’d like but No. 19 is one of the best we’ll see all season and No. 7 (Karldell Dunning) is learning as he plays but he’s a talent.” --Mike Teel

SB Nation - Karldell Dunning

Game Day: Louisville at Rutgers