By Josh Lipka
The University of Louisville football team fell against the University of Cincinnati Bearcats 35-27 in last Friday’s game at Papa John’s Stadium. This marks the 50thyear of the Battle for the Keg of Nails and ups the series 29-20-1 in Cincinnati’s favor.
The Bearcats came out strong after winning the coin toss choosing to kick off to the Cardinals at the start of the game. After stopping the Cardinals opening drive, the Bearcats struck first when no. 12 junior quarterback Zach Collaros completed a 47 yard pass to junior wide receiver DJ Woods. The Cardinals had a chance on the following drive to put points on the board, but failed to execute when junior kicker Chris Philpott’s 40 yard field goal attempt sailed wide left.
The game took a turn for the Cardinals when junior defensive tackle Greg Scruggs intercepted a wild pass by Collaros.
“It was my first interception of my career,” said Scruggs.” “I’m glad to get that under my belt.”
Scruggs’ interception put the Cardinal offense at Cincinnati’s 24. Five plays later junior tight end Josh Chichester completed an 11 yard pass from no. 9 senior quarterback Adam Froman for a touchdown. Philpott’s extra point leveled the scoreboard to 7-7.
The Bearcats offense bounced right back scoring seven points the following drive. Once again the Cardinals offense answered. The football was on the Cardinals 14 when Froman handed the ball to no. 15 senior running back Bilal Powell who broke through the Bearcat defense and ran 85 yards into the end zone. With Cardinal fans on their feet, the game was tied at 14-14.
Powell went on to rush 215 yards for the Cardinals marking a new career high and running his second consecutive game over 200 yards.
“He’s always lights out,” said Froman. “We can always count on him for a great performance.”
By the end of the half the Cardinals offense went into the locker room on top 21-24 thanks to Philpott’s 26 yard field goal and a 9 yard run from Powell.
The Bearcats took a seven point lead late in the third quarter after Woods caught a 14 yard pass from Collaros. The score would remain 28-24 at the start of the 4thquarter in the Bearcats favor.
The Cardinal offense would only score three points in the second half. Philpott made a 37 yard field goal attempt putting the Cardinals behind by one point with 11:27 left on the game clock. With nine minutes left, Cincinnati no. 80 wide receiver Armon Binns completed a 62 yard pass from Collaros for a touchdown top ice the game. The Cardinals offense couldn’t rally in time losing the Keg of Nails 35-27.
At the end of the day the Cardinals are looking to win not to lose.
“We’re looking to win games,” said sophomore cornerback Darius Ashley. “We are not looking for moral victories.”
Head coach Charlie Strong was aware of the missed red zone opportunities.
“Special teams missed two field goals,” said Coach Strong. “We have to execute.”
The Cardinals are now 3-3 this 2010 campaign and 0-1 in the BIG EAST. Cardinal football will next face off against the University of Connecticut October 23, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. at Papa John’s Stadium.
