Football Cards Sign Two-Game Agreement With Florida State
July 20, 2000 | Football
August 22, 1999
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville and Florida State University have signed a contract for a two-game series beginning next season according to U of L Director of Athletics Tom Jurich.
The Cardinals will visit Tallahasee, Fla. on Sept. 23 in U of L's third game of the 2000 season. The Seminoles will visit 42,000-seat Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in 2002 to complete the agreement with a Sept. 28 date in the Derby City.
Florida State opens the 1999 campaign ranked No. 1 in both major polls (USA TODAY/ESPN Coaches' Top 25 and the Associated Press Top 25) while U of L starts this year among those receiving votes in both polls.
"We're thrilled about the addition of a quality opponent to our football schedule in Florida State," said Jurich. "Their success and tradition certainly rank among the top in nation. This is a pair of games that will provide a high level of interest to our fans."
The two teams have met 12 times on the gridiron since 1952 with the Seminoles holding an 11-1 advantage. The Cardinals' only victory came in 1952 when U of L travelled to Tallahassee and defeated FSU, 41-14. Florida State won 40-15 in the last meeting on Breeders Cup Day in Louisville on Nov. 2, 1991.
"We're excited to have Florida State on our schedule twice over the next four seasons," said second-year head coach John L. Smith. "They will provide us with a tremendous barometer to see just where we are and where we have to go as a program. It also gives our fans an opportunity to not only follow us down to FSU, but a chance to have them play in their own backyard."
The Florida State game completes the Cardinals' 2000 schedule in which U of L will play seven home contests in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. U of L will play host to Kentucky, Grambling, Connecticut and four Conference USA opponents yet to be determined in 2000. Three C-USA foes and Florida State will make up the road opponents next season. Times and dates for the Cards' 2000 slate will be announced later.
