May the Schwartz be with you.
Yes, I know Carter Schwartz’s much needed 54 yard punt, downed by Kris Hughes at the UDub three yard line, was not the play of the game.
But, it’s bowl season, the Cards played guys we’ve never heard of, the Huskies have a dy-no-mite real rookie QB — clearly star of the game — the game was entertaining . . .
. . . and U of L won.
35-34.
After Antonio Watts made the true play of the game, breaking up Washington’s attempt for a deuce to win it in regulation.
So yeah, I went full on Space Balls.
* * * * *
I’m not sure there’s any reason to take a deep dive here.
Isaac Brown (10/99) and Duke Watson (10/83) did what Isaac and Duke do, but neither went full Ken Porco.*
*Frosh star of U of L’s W in the ’58 Sun Bowl.
Harrison Bailey was steady, has a calm presence, threw for 3 TDs and no picks. But he’ll be back on the bench next campaign.
As referenced above, the Cards overcame a truly breakout performance by real freshman QB Demond Wilson (26/32, 374, 4 TDs).
U of L’s secondary, porous all season, depleted, played to its norm. Not sure why Washington didn’t throw long more, much more. Good for the good guys in white.
The D did hold strong at the end, backs to the wall. Probably got jobbed on a couple plays. But made the game sealer.
* * * * *
Uncle Mo changer: Those consecutive 2d half tallies, complemented by stops.
So, it says here.
* * * * *
We got yet another glimpse of why Caullin Lacy was heralded as the primo Card pickup last between seasons. Guess that injury affected more than we considered.
* * * * *
Peripherals:
Refs missed three face mask offenses. Plus a few other things.
The crowd was certainly robust. Apparently there’s a real community sense to this long standing game. Because there certainly didn’t seem to be a lot of fans from either school. And the ones that were there appeared scattered around.
It’s a far more satisfying end to the season than last year.
Really?
Batter the Cats. Win a bowl. Yes, really!
Wanted to try and work in some lyrics from Marty Robbins’ “El Paso.” But nothing fit.*
*Sometimes I show restraint.
So, yeah, at the risk of sounding like announcers at these bowls shilling for breakfast pastries, sandwich condiments and cereal, I’ll just end with this.
35-34.
It’s Greeeeeeeaaaaaaaaatttt!!!!!
— c d kaplan
Just wanted to let you know, CD, that even though I’m a UK fan, I really enjoy your writing!
I lived in Louisville for many years and always looked forward to reading you in LEO too.
Very kind. Thanks.
One fan’s opinion: if a player opts not to play in the last game(s) of the season, they should be required to refund any and all NIL money collected that season.
I’m with you SK in hoping that Bailey will “be back on the bench next campaign”
but if any school needing a QB next season noted his performance today then
don’t be surprised to see him in the portal come Spring.
The bowls are a joke with portal and NIL – who cares ? It’s disgusting what college football has become – for you to actually give a nod to ending the season better than last year is fine – but get real – we had enough team to get to the playoffs and spit the bit – I just don’t get the whole thing – find something better to be positive about -like the Louisville Woman’s Volleyball Team ‼️‼️
Ooops / YOU WERE & wrote beautifully about their triumphantly inspiring season – would be nice if the rest of UL Athletics could be as bold –
Happy New Year ‼️
Very nice piece Seedy. Yeah, we were nicely “jobed”-ESPECIALLY the PI call in the end zone. Truly believe that call caused the end of game aingst for Card fans. Otherwise, a two score margin.
Very nice win for a depleted squad and a green QB. By the way, this game should be dedicated to Ken Porco- Cardinal forever and Mr. Sun Bowl 1958.