Apr 13, 2013; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Charlie Strong watches alone the sideline during the spring game at Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Less than two weeks remain until the Cards officially kick off the season at home versus Ohio on September 1st. With Football season inching closer, it’s a great time to compare Bobby Petrino’s and Charlie Strong’s careers as the Louisville football head coach.
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In four seasons at Louisville, Petrino’s record at Louisville was 41-9, good for a winning percentage of 0.820. In 2006, Petrino led the Cards to an Orange Bowl victory over Wake Forest. Had it not been for an offsides penalty on the special teams unit at Rutgers, Louisville could have been playing for the BCS Championship.
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In three seasons at Louisville, Strong is 25-14, with a winning percentage of 0.641. Strong led the Cards to a 33-23 upset win over Florida in the All-State Sugar Bowl, arguably the biggest win in the program’s history. Petrino may have the higher winning percentage but Strong has the biggest BCS bowl victory.
In 2013, the Cards are expected to have another great year and Charlie Strong has a chance to up his winning percentage with more W’s this season and beyond. After turning down Tennessee and signing a long-term extension with Louisville last winter, Strong is in position to lead Louisville to greater heights for years to come.
The train is not slowing down anytime soon. Louisville defensive coordinator Vance Bedford said it best: Get on the train or get out of the way.
Football season is almost here. Just two more weeks folks.