At least, for me.

I spent seven years matriculating on the Belknap Campus, and, though a huge sports fan, never once sauntered over to Parkway Field for a Cardinal baseball game. To say the sport was under the radar would be understatement.

But it’s a new dawn under Dan McDonnell, coach of the Cardinal nine. Success is expected these days at the school that ranks fourth in the Capital One Cup standings.

The Cards’ three game weekend sweep at The Jim earned them a berth in a third Super Regional.

Which means, all of a sudden, I’m prowling the internet for info on Georgia Tech baseball. Go figure.

If the Yellow Jackets improbably best Vandy’s highly regarded Commodores tonight for a second straight evening, Louisville will not only participate in, but will host the Super Regional.

So, Cardinal fans, join the Ozzie Nelson Orchestra and me please for a rousing version of this fight song.

Yes, I know you only play who(m) you play. Buuuuuuuut, the Cards hosted Vanderbilt during the regular season and were crushed.

Would you rather play a school that’s lost only ten games all season, or one plagued with two and a half times that many Ls?

I’ll take the latter, s’il vous plait. In the friendly confines of my own ballyard.

The Yellow Jackets forced tonight’s decider in Nashville with a two-hit, 5 zed shutout of the favored ‘Dores by Josh Heddinger. Vandy coach Tim Corbin is shaking it off as an anomaly, just one of those nights when a hurler had it going and his team’s bats slumbered.

Yet Tech now stands 3-1 against #1 ranked schools. The Wreck bested North Carolina 2 of 3 during the season.

So, yes, the Cards will play who(m) they play, either here or in Nashville. But, I, for one, shall be rooting for future ACC partner Georgia Tech tonight.

“I’m a ramblin’ wreck from Georgia Tech . . .”

* * * * *

Before I move on to other matters, one more comment about yesterday’s festivities at The Jim.

It was as charming and Red, White & Blue as the logos on U of L’s uniforms.

A gentle breeze was blowing. Clouds were drifting. Trains were choogling by over the outfield fence. There were parents and and grandparents and kids in the SRO crowd. Lots of hot dogs and ice cream cones.

The good guys won.

Indeed, a great afternoon to be a Cardinal fan.

* * * * *

Tonight we get an NBA conference final Game 7. Sweet.

The most interesting aspect for me will be the test that faces LeBron James. He is an incredible baller, certifiably one of the best ever. He is a champion. He is an MVP several times over.

He’s on the cusp of hoops transcendence.

Tonight, we get to see if he’s ready to make the leap into Bill Russell/ Michael Jordan territory? Can he put the Heat on his back and carry his mates to the Finals and beyond? Chris Bosh is nowhere to be found. Dwayne Wade is hurting. LBJ somehow needs to make them and the rest of the squad mo’ better.

Can’t wait to see if he does it or not?

It’s also a test for Indiana? Are the Pacers, who always seem teetering on the edge of totally falling apart, ready for prime time?

Should be interesting.

* * * * *

A question being pondered by any number of Louisville Cardinal basketball fans is whether incoming prepster Terry Rozier will be eligible. The rumor and innuendo circulating about is that he might not.

I’m advised that Rozier himself is sure he’s taken care of the academic stuff and that he’ll be able to compete next season.

And that’s all I’ve got about that.

* * * * *

Julie Hermann, Rutgers AD in Waiting, remains twisting slowly slowly in the wind.

* * * * *

Gordon Gee, bless his arrogant and acrimonious heart, might not favor having anything to do with the academically inferior ACC, but his conference ain’t concerned if Dook grads don’t know it’s i before e except after c.

Apparently the Big Ten is ready to sign a deal with the Pinstripe Bowl, you know, the one played in balmy NY at Yankee Stadium. The league’s bottom feeding rep will replace the one from the Big 12. Reports also mention that the ACC will add that bowl to its lineup, replacing the Big East (AAC, er, American).

– Seedy K

Dip? ✔

Crudités (Eat at least one little carrot and piece of cauliflower, so you can dupe yourself into thinking  you’re eating healthy.) ✔

Beverages chilled? ✔

Impellizzeri’s on speed dial? ✔

These, my fellow hoopaholics, are not supplies for Super Sunday. The avocados will have to wait another day before they become guacamole.

I’m talking about tomorrow. A Saturday filled from before noon to bedtime with zesty matchups. Barcoloungers beware. Ye shall be occupied.

#1 Cincy @ Seton Hall. In the days of yesteryear, we had to wait until noon on Saturdays for opening tip. No more. The World Wide Leader, a benevolent dictator, has bestowed a favor upon us. Brunch with the Big East. The feisty Bearcats remain under the pundits’ radar. Kevin Willard’s Pirates are fighting for relevancy. A pleasant late morning tilt to enjoy with croissants and Eggs Benedict. Pass the Hollandaise s’il vous plait.

#2 Syracuse @ Pitt. The Orange are two games up in the loss column in league play. (Along with Marquette, which comes a callin’ to the Yum! Sunday, where they’ll be greeted by a hungry Cardinal squad in very stylin’ new white unis.) A loss at 17-5 Pitt would bring Boeheim’s bunch back to the field. The Panthers have a shot.

#3 Duke @ Florida State. The Seminoles always give the Blue Devils a hard time in Tallahassee. It’s a good thing. Always worth tuning in to see if Duke falls three games behind to surging Miami in U of L’s future conference. No better excuse to pop a fresh can open than Coach K walking off the court with an L.

#4 Colorado @ Utah. The Buffaloes have cooled a bit. They’re only 4-4 in league play, but have won their last 3. A W over the Utes will give them momentum to burst their bubble. Plus we’ll probably get Marques Johnson, a PAC homer if ever there was one, doing color. Unless it’s Bill Walton’s effusive exhortations on every play.

#5 Oklahoma State @ Kansas. Rock Chalk Jayhawk doesn’t lose at home much when it comes to conference play. This year, they haven’t lost at either at Allen or on the road. But the Cowboys have lots of potential, spelled Marcus Smart and Bryan Nash. I’m smelling upset here.

#6 Wichita State @ Northern Iowa. No reason to wait for Arch Madness to consider the MoValley. The Shockers lead the league (along with Creighton). The Panthers, standing at 11-11 are a might down this season. But this one has trap game written all over it.

Seedy K’s Dining Tip: Order your pizza during the first half of this one. Remember Bennie Impellizzeri doesn’t deliver. You’ll need to pick up your pie before the Cats tip off.

#7 Kentucky @ Texas A&M. Can you spell payback? They’re liable to be dredging the Rio Grande for blocked Aggie rocks Nerlens Noel has dispatched into the muddy. Maybe Francine will be in the house.

#8 Ole Miss @ Florida. Why aren’t folks talking about the Gators? Bill Donovan’s crew is 7-0 in league play. Average margin of victory: 28 points. That’s not a typo. The Gators have won by 33, 22, 19, 31, 17 (Must have had an off night in Athens.), 35 and 39. If his less than stellar performance against the Cats didn’t chasten Marshall Henderson, this one will shut his trap.

#9 Michigan @ Indiana. This is the big one of the day, the one we’re all waiting to watch, Digger and Dickie V’s presence on the soundtrack notwithstanding. Both legit top liners come tourney time. Both playing well. Be sure to get up and stretch before tip.

Feel free to wash down your day’s repast with some bedtime milk and cookies. Unless, you’re ready for more. And there is more. It’s too late to stop now.

#10 Gonzaga @ San Diego. Okay, I gotta admit. I confused San Diego with San Diego State. My bad. The Toreros are only 11-11, not 16-4 and ranked in the Top 25 like the crosstown Aztecs. But, hey, I’m punch drunk just from contemplating the morrow. One reason to tune in is to see if former future U of L superstar Angel Nunez is sitting on Few’s bench in civvies?

Remember there’s no reason to sit through any commercials. There are more than a score more tilts to check out when play stops in the game you’re watching.

Now, get some rest. The Cards play Sunday. Then there’s that little football game. And all that guac and chips to consume.

– Seedy K

Noogie.

Then again, I don’t have the storied tradition of excellence that was the C-J and its sports section for decades. Which is not an excuse, but reality. I resolve to do better in ’13.

But I feel compelled to start the New Year by pointing out today’s inexcusable C-J gaffe.

At the top of PAGE THREE, right above a column in which the sports editor fails yet again to be as funny as he would like, there’s this stat: “50 years since the Arizona Cardinals (and the Chicago, St. Louis and Phoenix versions of the Cardinals before them) have won an NFL football game.”

Which statistic would be of mild interest . . . perhaps . . . if it wasn’t so totally wrong.

The Cardinals beat Green Bay, 51-45, in a 2010 playoff game. After winning three playoff battles the year before against Atlanta, Carolina and Philly to make it the Super Bowl. Oh yes, they beat the Cowboys in a Wild Card game in ’98.

The once great newswpaper compounded the felony on the next page when reporting correctly that Arizona’s coach, Ken Whisenhunt, fired yesterday, had led the team to a Super Bowl.

I know I’m being a crank, but I still read the C-J every morning as I’ve done since my age was a single digit. More and more I find myself looking for the errors, which are manifest on a daily basis now, more than insight into the world of sports.

Nougat. To Bill Walton. It was great to hear his voice again. He did color commentary the other night during UCLA’s resurgent W over Missouri.

There’s something about his exuberance and willingness to call it as he sees it that I find refreshing.

I also have a soft spot for Walton. In ’90, I was hit by a car while jogging and my left leg was held together for a year and a half by an Iliazarov Fixator. He was in town covering a U of L game. When the former Bruin superstar saw me hobbling down the steps toward my seat, he, who has dealt with serious leg and foot problems throughout his career, stopped, chatted me up and offered words of encouragement.

Hope to hear his voice more during the coming hoops season.

Nougat. To James Franklin’s Vanderbilt Commodores, who finished their season 9-4, after bashing NC State by two TDs yesterday in the Music City Bowl.

Vandy. 9-4, including SEC games. One of them Milt Wagner academic schools that doesn’t even have a separate athletic department.

That, football fans, is a piece of work.

Noogie & Nougat. To two of Louisville’s future ACC compatriots.

Speaking of academic schools, Duke had a win just about secured over Cincy the other day in the Something or Another Bowl, driving into the Red Zone with the game knotted for a sure score with only a couple minutes to play.

They fumbled, giving up the ball to the Bearcats, who soon enough tallied on a long pass play. Then scored again before the gun sounded for a two TD triumph.

But another future U of L conference mate came through last night in the clutch. Clemson fought back from 11 down late to beat LSU in the Cows Want You To Eat Chicken Bowl. Hit a field goal. Held the Tigers to a 3 and out. Scored a TD, but missed the try for 2.

Held the Tigers to another 3 and out. (Though LSU’s three straight incomplete passes when they could have probably run out the clock on the ground was a monumental strategic miscalculation. Wonder if that Bayou Bengal QB coach, a fellow named Kragthorpe, was making those ill advised calls?)

Then Clemson drove for a winning FG as the clock expired.

Noogie. To those who are trying to make a big deal out of that free throw situation in the UK/ U of L game, when Alex Poythress replaced Nerlens Noel at the line, when Noel was probably the Cat fouled.

So what? Only Sean Hannity or Keith Olbermann could find controversy there. Okay, Ann Coulter too.

Nougat. To Boise State for staying in the Mountain West, where it belongs. And to that league for making it happen.

Noogie. To the Big East . . . whatever it may actually be. It’s hard to conceive what next year’s U of L football schedule is going to look like.

Perhaps the Cards can schedule a home and home with Trinity HS. The opener at Papa J’s. The season ender at Marshall Stadium in beautiful downtown Saint Matthews to decide which school has the best team in town.

Nougat. To the Colts and Bengal, Louisville’s “home” NFL teams, for making the playoffs.

Well, my New Year’s resolve to write only positive stuff in 2013 lasted a solid 9 hours and 26.5 minutes on the game clock.

Hope this annum is a peaceful and serene and productive one for you and yours. (And that includes you editors at the C-J.)

– Seedy K

In all sports except football. Of course. Because the Fighting Irish, for some unfathomable reason, remain a singular, untouchable presence that is hard to imagine even in an out of kilter sport like college pigskin.

The move will come sooner or later, depending on variables including moves by the Catholic 7, Rutgers, Maryland, television networks, Louisville and the outside looking in schools that comprise the Big East, such as it is.

I’ve never, the Gipper and Knute Rockne notwithstanding, understood the deference afforded South Bend. By the BCS muckety mucks. By the Big East. Whomever. Somebody, please, tell me why?

But, today, I read something new, to me anyway, that just about trumps all those other perks.

While Syracuse and Pitt and Louisville and Rutgers and West Virginia, you know the Big East ship jumpers — Am I missing anyone? — all have exit fee responsibilities to the league that have already been paid, or are still owed. (Owed to somebody or other, to be determined after the lawyers get their hands on most of the bounty.)

But, Notre Dame, by contract with the league, owes no exit fee. Zero. Nuttin’, honey.

Riddle me that one, Batman?

What was the Big East thinking when they contracted with Notre Dame? An afterlife in purgatory if they didn’t provide some papal indulgence to the Fighting Irish?

* * * * *

Now we bid a sad adieu to the Angel Nunez Era at U of L.

The sophomore sharpshooter, as has long been rumored, is announced to be transferring. Destination is currently unknown.

So the innuendo circulating around when Nunez was nowhere to be seen for weeks in the Yum! turned out to be true.

I also believe the official story of “severe concussion” was also true. School SID Kenny Klein, as honorable a guy as there is in college sports, told me to my face that Nunez indeed had a concussion.

So, both explanations turn out to be correct.

Such situations however unmask The Rick at his least likeable. Another recruit with potential who didn’t immediately dazzle the coach means the kid is cast aside.

I just don’t like it.

* * * * *

On the other hand, I’m disinclined to give Pitino too much grief these days. And it has nothing to do with the progress of this season’s national contenders.

Did you hear his pre-game radio interview before the Memphis State game?

The no nonsense, always focused coach took five minutes to talk compassionately about the Connecticut shootings. More important, he spoke passionately, forcefully, unequivocally and eloquently about the need for gun control. It was stunning really.

My estimation of the man increased exponentially.

* * * * *

That said, I write this while watching “Around the Horn,” during which, Boston scribe Jackie MacMullan just called on Pitino to explain why he “faxed in his resignation to the Celtics.”

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/18/tuesday-tidbits-irish-angel-the-rick-on-gun-control/feed/ 7 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/14/fridays-final-shots-sayonara-big-east-goodbye-willie-whatup-la-more/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/14/fridays-final-shots-sayonara-big-east-goodbye-willie-whatup-la-more/#comments Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:54:50 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8088 Before moving on to other matters, let’s cue up Marty Glickman from the Gaaaaahhden.

It’s time we must bid a sad adieu to the soon-to-be-yesterday’s-stale-bagel Big East, her intense rivalries, Dave Gavitt’s well-intentioned promise, her glory early spring days in the Garden, Big John with his shoulder towel vs. Little Louie in Macy’s ugliest sweater, and her sad but inevitable decimation and demise.

The Big East, she will be gone, but not forgot, remaining forever in our memories.

This one is sad, but inevitable. Louisville jumping to the ACC was the straw that broke the camel’s back (to coin a phrase).

It makes total sense for the hoops-only schools to do their own thing. Actually it would be more accurate to describe them as non football schools, since they need a league for their minor sports too.

Which leaves that muddled mess of Cincy, UConn, South Florida, the C-USA  and Mountain West jumpers standing around looking at each other woozily like a bunch of wasted guys at closing time early on a Sunday morning at their favorite bar, looking at each other, wondering, “What da fuh, where did all the babes go?”

Thinking globally, but concerned locally, let’s hope this means the ACC and U of L can get their act together so the Cards can compete in its new home next school year.

* * * * *

I’m also thinking about Willie Taggert.

Lots and lots of talk about Western Ky hiring Bobby Petrino to replace Taggert, but what about the up and comer’s move to South Florida?

The Tampa Bay area school has been considered, “the next great college football power,” given the recruiting base, etc. Yet, it is mired in po with little mo. The potential is there, the upward momentum is not.

Especially now that last rites have been recited for the Big East, I have to wonder if Taggert made a wise move?

It ain’t lookin’ so good at this point. The Toppers and Bulls could end up in the same league.

And, lest we forget, Tommy Tuberville, come on down.

How’s the move to Cincy woikin’ out fer ya?

* * * * *

Which brings us to deposed SoFla coach Skip Holtz who, thanks to name recognition and who knows what else, has landed at Louisiana Tech.

* * * * *

While watching the very intense volleyball semi last night in which Texas stormed back to win the last two games and the match, I got to thinking about Louisville coach Anne Kordes.

If you’ve been in her presence, you know what a determined young woman she is. For awhile I’ve been trying to figure out who she reminds me of?

It finally came to me last night. Pat Summitt.

Given Kordes’s focus, given what a volleyball hotbed this town has become, given her resources, I would be most surprised if she doesn’t turn the Cardinals into a national power in the next few years.

* * * * *

Excellent ESPN.com hoops writer Dana O’Neil has written a terrific piece on the seminal Loyola/ Mississippi State NCAA game in ’63.

You can read it here.

* * * * *

I can’t help but smile at the ineptitude of the Los Angeles Lakers.

* * * * *

I watched some of the Harrrison twins last night on TV.

One has a strained hammy. Aaron or Andrew, I’m not sure. Their school, Travis, ended up winning in OT, but, to be honest, I was expecting more dominance.

Then again, I don’t watch enough high school hoops these days to discern which players are really special and which aren’t? One must assume that the recruiting gurus and Coach Cal, who was in the stands last night, know what they’re talking about.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/14/fridays-final-shots-sayonara-big-east-goodbye-willie-whatup-la-more/feed/ 0 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/02/sunday-morning-qb-strong-rumors-rampant/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/02/sunday-morning-qb-strong-rumors-rampant/#comments Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:26:13 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8052 Frankly I found it odd that U of L’s football team and Coach Charlie Strong weren’t paraded onto the court at one of the many timeouts yesterday at the Yum! during the Illinois State basketball game.

Actually, disconcerting is a more apt descriptor.

The rumor du jour is that Strong interviewed for the Tennessee job. Again, as with the Auburn situation, Strong has told a member of the media, this time a reporter for Fox Sports, that the Rocky Top rumors are false. Or, so says the reporter.

So, here we go . . . again.

I’m on record as opinionating my take on Strong is that he feels a sense of loyalty to Tom Jurich and U of L above and beyond the norm for his ladder climbing profession. Louisville, with Teddy B and a defense totally returning, is sure to be pre-season Top 10, or better, next campaign.

I would be flummoxed if Strong jumped ship now.

That said, the rumors are that Tennessee is offering Strong more money per year than Alabama pays Nick Saban. And he’s won three BCS crowns, with another in the offing come January. $5 mill per year, the figure floating about, is, as they say, mucho dinero.

That’s enough to turn anybody’s head, even the most loyal person.

Hell, for that I’d go on Fox News every night and let Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly beat me up.

I’m sure Tom Jurich will sweeten Charlie’s pot. It’s the nature of the game, most recently played by Les Miles.

Deep Pockets Owsley Frazier is no longer with us. Steve Trager, come on down.

* * * * *

One last thought on yesterday’s Cardinal hoops W.

Illinois State played that tough without its starting point guard, Kaza Keane.

I’m impressed. They’ll be my team come Arch Madness.

* * * * *

There have been better athletic days in the history of Nicholls State than yesterday.

The Southland Conference school was nudged on the hardwood by Michigan State, 39-84.

On the gridiron, the Colonels were tripped up by Oregon State, 3-77.

Composite score: Nicholls State 42, Opponents 161.

* * * * *

James Quick played for Trinity in its title romp over PRP.

He played with two broken ribs.

Impressive.

You ever had a broken rib? I have. It hurt a lot. For a long time. I had to sleep in chair for 6 weeks.

* * * * *

I’m sure my fellow Kentuckians are as proud as I am of a new record recently set in the commonwealth.

During hunting season, a record 92.737 whitetail deer were, what’s the proper term? Harvested? Slain? Killed?

* * * * *

UK and U of L women’s hoops this evening at 6:00.

Both teams are in the top ten, adding zest to the rivalry.

I’ll be in the house. You?

* * * * *

While I watched nary a play of Florida State’s slog over Georgia Tech in the ACC title game, I did surf through the pre-game, when Brent Musburger and Herbie were setting up the game against a backdrop of empty seats.

The announced attendance in Charlotte was 62,000+. Didn’t know they’d hired the UK stat crew for the game.

Truth is the only leagues that can fill a neutral site for this type of affair are the SEC and Big Ten.

The ACC needs to adopt the PAC-12 way of doing things. Play it on one of the participant’s fields. Figure out a fair formula to determine the most deserving school, and it becomes host.

* * * * *

I know the show must go on and all that razzmatazz.

It’s still hard to believe they’ll be playing pro football in Kansas City today.

– Seedy K

While watching the finale of the Made For TV Big Ten/ ACC Showdown, I found myself actually rooting for . . . Duke.

Frankly, though unexpected, it was not totally inexplicable.

One, I dislike Ohio State — yes, even more than the Blue Devils — because: 1) from all I hear, Thad Matta’s about as dirty a coach as is out there when it comes to recruiting, and 2) Buckeye fans cheered when former players carried Jim Tressel off the field on their shoulders last Saturday before the Michigan game.

Also, I had a moment during the Atlantis tourney when I realized that Duke just about always really plays a sweet, fundamental game of basketball. And, when Dickie V isn’t calling the action, and therefore there’s not a constant litany of over the top plaudits, I’ve finally accepted and come to begrudgingly admire the continued excellence.

Most important, I guess, is that I’ve always rooted for U of L’s conference mates when they’re playing a school from another league. If you haven’t been paying attention, the Cardinals are going to be members of the ACC.

* * * * *

Speaking of which stunning turn of events, I must opine that yesterday was NOT the biggest day in the history of U of L sports. It was huge, don’t get me wrong. It is an acknowledgement, finally, that U of L has officially reached playah status on the national collegiate sports scene.

But, again, it’s not the biggest day ever for Louisville Cardinal sports, as some radioheads were hyperventilating.

There are many events equally important, perhaps more so. The day Denny Crum was hired. The day in ’80 when Louisville won its first NCAA crown. The day Howard Schnellenberger was hired. The day Louisville won the Fiesta Bowl. The day Tom Jurich was hired. (By the by, a belated thanks to then prexy John Shumaker for making that hire. One as astute and successful as all those made by TJ save one.)

There is even empirical evidence that Louisville’s entry into the Big East from the C-USA was bigger than the upgrade to the ACC.

Which contrarianism isn’t meant to diminish yesterday’s dumfounding development.

It’s a good thing.

* * * * *

I posted this last night on Facebook.

Hear me now. Believe me later. Charlie Strong will be coaching the U of L Cardinals next season.

But, as I also posted, I have no inside information. From close observation of Strong, it is my belief that he is not giving mere lip service when he expresses his gratitude for being hired and his loyalty to Tom Jurich for giving him the coaching opportunity. I truly believe that he may cut from a different bolt of cloth than the Todd Grahams of the profession.

I would be very surprised if Strong moves on after only three years. Especially now that Louisville is in an elite conference.

* * * * *

Frankly I don’t know whether Mark Stoops is a good hire at UK or not?

I certainly hope so. Many pundits more in the know than I think so.

His task is Herculean. But not impossible.

* * * * *

I was struck again last weekend while watching, as usual, more than my share of college football, how much I love its overtime rules.

I dare say it’s the most significant rule change in college sports in a long while. The only possible contender that immediately comes to mind is the institution of the three point shot in ’86-’87.

It’s just really exciting. And really fair.

* * * * *

In a last bit ugliness, I feel compelled to advise I finished my regular season picking games with my 3d losing record in the last four weeks. Only Ohio State — ugh — won for me. Southern Cal, Florida State, UK and U of L did not. I finished the year, 37-28.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/11/29/thursdays-tidbits-cleaning-off-my-desk/feed/ 3 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/11/28/black-saturday-blue-monday-wunderbar-wednesday/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/11/28/black-saturday-blue-monday-wunderbar-wednesday/#comments Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:46:50 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8035 The only people around today who haven’t talked exclusively about U of L’s invite to the ACC are Diane Rehm and my piano teacher, Chris Bizianes.

He should know better. He played in the Cardinal Pep Band during the halcyon days of the 80s. Shame on him.

Rehm is excused. Her national radio talk show deals with issues that folks in other parts of country consider more important than playing a league game against Duke in the Yum! Silly them.

Which last phrase — playing a league game against Duke in the Yum! — resonates with a mighty sweet tone where I’m sitting.

In the harum scarum circus of college conference realignment, Louisville is in the center ring, astride the prettiest stallion in the stable. The ACC is Louisville’s dream conference, and that is where the school has finally landed.

It’s a sublime fit not only for hoops, but football where the Cards will immediately be a contenda and the other sports.

* * * * *

Days on the field and court of play don’t come much worse than last Saturday for U of L. The football team choked against UConn. Star QB Teddy Bridgewater broke his wrist, then threw a pick that sealed the L.

The basketball team lost to Duke. (I can still hear Eric Crawford’s sardonic comment before the tilt, “Just another league game.”) Gorgui Dieng didn’t play due to an injured wrist.

On Monday, it was confirmed that Dieng’s wrist was broken. It was also confirmed that the Big East was broken when the conference announced the addition of Tulane and East Carolina.

How disconsolate were Cardinal fans?

Here are the exact words of an email I received from one forlorn member of the Red & Black Nation: Somebody, please, put a bullet in the U of L Athletic Program and put it out of its misery.  Tulane, East Carolina–we are back in the Metro.

Oh I won’t cue up Dinah Washington again, but, my oh my, what a difference a day makes.

But, on this Wednesday when Louisville is joining the Atlantic Coast Conference, we do owe homage to the Deity of the Day.

Hail Atlantis!

* * * * *

While I obviously didn’t report anything, because, well, I really had no info. I did think something might be brewing when Tom Jurich and his money guy Kevin Miller were in Louisville over the weekend, not in the Bahamas with the basketball team.

* * * * *

Now, of course, Cardinal fans are worried that the ACC might not be that stable.

I do not see that instability.

There is talk that Clemson and Florida State might bolt. I don’t buy it. Why would the SEC want two schools that no TV sets, but would diminish the size of the present member’s piece of the pie? Not to mention that South Carolina wouldn’t want Clemson nor would Florida want Florida State.

It would make no sense for any ACC school to leave at this juncture. Which, of course, doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

* * * * *

As for the Big East?

Get out the butter and jelly, that league is toast.

I would not be surprised to see the basketball only schools break off, form their own league or join the A-10.

UConn I could frankly care less about. I do feel for Cincy. That school thought it had a legit argument to be the new ACC member. Reminds me of how I felt on the day in high school when they announced the new inductees for the National Honor Society. I had hope, but knew in my heart that my credentials were a shade short.

The announcement confirming I wasn’t asked was devastating nonetheless.

* * * * *

League games against the Tar Heels and Blue Devils in hoops. Trips to Tallahassee and Clemson.

WhoopDeeDamnDooooooo!

– Seedy K