By Ashlea Hellmann

Less than a week after what some may consider the biggest game of the year for University of Louisville football, the Cardinals will return for their second game in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, against Tennessee Tech University. ?

Some U of L students are not nearly as excited for this game as they are for the other higher profile games that will be played later in the season.

“I plan on selling my tickets,” said Phil Shepard, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, who plans on missing the game to return home this weekend.

However, many students said that they will remain in town this weekend to show their unwavering spirit for their team. ?

“There is no negative impact, all schools do it,” said Jesse Johnsey, a junior marketing major. “It gives the small schools exposure and lots of money, and us time to tune up.” Although Johnsey doesn’t have season tickets, he said he still plans on tailgating in support of his Cards.

Tennessee Tech Director of Athletics Mark Wilson couldn’t agree more with Johnsey’s philosophy.

“Our team is really excited about playing the University of Louisville,” said Wilson, who added that excitment for the programn generally builds when playing bigger schools. “Games like this are so important to our growth.”

The Golden Eagles are no strangers to games against Division 1-A teams.

In the last 18 years, Tennessee Tech has faced 20 Division 1-A opponents, but lost to all of them.

Wilson said that his Golden Eagles won’t be intimidated by the notoriety of U of L’s program.

“This is not unusual for us,” he said. “The key is to focus on the game and put a good plan into place. We want to go out there and our young men want to play with the best.”

The Cardinals, on the other hand, have no problems when it comes to class difference.  The Cards are 9-0 against Division 1-AA opponents since 1990.

Wilson hopes that Cards fans bring their spirit to the game.

“Support for teams is important. We are looking forward going to Louisville and playing in front of a great environment and the enthusiastic fans. We are just looking to come in and represent the Ohio Valley conference well.”

Many students, including Sophomore chemical engineering major Nathan Peters,  have recognized that their team may need a confidence boost this season.

“With an inexperienced team, it’s good to get a couple of easy wins to build the teams confidence.”

The game is this Saturday at 3:30 and it will air on WHAS-TV 11.