LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- (WDRB) The University of Louisville football team came from behind on Homecoming Day to remain undefeated and on course for a BCS Bowl.
The high profile of both Cardinal football and basketball in the same year has fans flying high.
The football team gave them quite a scare, but these are the best of times for U of L sports fans.
For the Cardinal faithful, It's eat, drink and be merry. For the football team is still undefeated.
"I tell you, everyone is excited about football, athletics, University of Louisville athletics. We're happy. Go Cards," said long-time fan Chuck Mitchell.
And while the Cards are scoring on the gridiron, fans can also cheer a basketball team ranked first or second in pre-season polls
"There's only three teams in the country right now that are undefeated in football and pre-season top ten in basketball, Ohio State, Florida, Louisville. That's big time stuff," said WDRB sports columnist Rick Bozich.
For the university, the national success of its two high-profile programs means more than just bragging rights.
"It gets our alumni excited, gets a lot of our donors excited. It keeps the students engaged and excited. It's just great for the whole community," said U of L President James Ramsey.
And vendors are also cashing in. Cardinal merchandise is a hot seller.
"As long as they're doing good and coming out winning, more people buy the merchandise. And that's good for you? Yes it is. It's more money in our pocket," said merchandise vendor Selena Hurt.
But winning is not always easy. The Cards scored late and held off South Florida to stay unbeaten. And Cardinal fans can continue to dream big.
"Understand one thing about Louisville," said fan James Hand. "It's about all sports. It's not just football. It's not just basketball. It's all sports. The University of Sports, right?.
Tomorrow many of these happy fans will be at the KFC YUM Center as the basketball Cardinals play their second scrimmage.
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