By Daryl Foust–

The number of fans that had left Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium (PJCS) by the end of the third quarter was atrocious.  Was it the exponential spanking the Cards laid on the visiting team for the past two weeks?  Was it the clear blue skies and 90 degree weather?  Was it the exiting of Heisman hopeful, Teddy Bridgewater?  Or was it the ever so famous early exit of the ‘Cardnation’ from any game considered a blowout in either team’s favor?  What is your deal, people?  For as long as I can remember, there is an evident mass exodus of the fans of the University of Louisville before the game clock ever strikes zero.  Even the Kentucky fan who chose to wear his team propaganda stayed in a seat until the game was over.  I have heard a plethora of excuses from fans guilty of the exodus.

Exodus is defined as a journey by a large group to escape from a hostile environment.  Here is where you’re wrong Cardnation. The idea is to create and maintain a hostile environment for the opposing team who only wishes for an exodus from PJCS.

Now what’s your excuse?

  • “It’s too hot.” Have yourself a nice cold beverage and let Coach Strong show you what ‘too hot’ is as you watch a nationally ranked football team cook the opponent in the oven.
  • “I want to beat traffic.”  This is Louisville, not L.A.  What’s better than leaving with 55,000 of your closest friends after a roasting of the other team?  Exchange a couple high fives, friendly honks, and enjoy the commute back home. Or hang around the stadium for some post game celebratory tailgating and wait for the streets to clear.

Remember Cardnation, we are now in the national spotlight thanks to the efforts of our university, coaches, and players.  We must do our job as fans and do it well.  I can’t tell you how embarrassed I was for the poor exposure we received by the media when half of the stadium’s attendees choose to leave after the half.  What I can’t understand is that we spend an entire summer anticipating the season and each week can’t wait to get back into our seats, but somehow cannot manage to sit there for a mere three hours.

Even the student section had drastically depleted in comparison to kickoff.  Lead by example, my fellow classmates.  What else did you have to do on the opening day of the season and Labor Day weekend?  Homework? Give me a break.  Those are your classmates on the field competing for a second consecutive Bowl Championship Series bid.  I don’t know about you, but I’d like to spend my new years in New Orleans again.  You are a representative of the University and your performance on game day has been poor. Step it up!