Cardinals Open 2001 Campaign With John Thompson Classic
August 21, 2001 | Football
Aug. 21, 2001
LOUISVILLE, KY -- Coming off a third consecutive bowl trip and their first Conference USA title, the Louisville Cardinals open the 2001 college football season playing host to New Mexico State. The Cardinals and the Aggies will take part in the John Thompson Foundation Challenge Football Classic. Proceeds from the preseason event will go to the John Thompson Foundation which helps inner-city youth with scholarships and educational programs.
The matchup marks the first between the two universities but will be Louisville head coach John L. Smith's fourth career start against NMSU. Smith holds a 3-0 record against the Aggies winning games in the 1996-98 seasons while serving as head coach at Utah State. Smith's USU club outscored NMSU, 118-42, in their three meetings.
New Mexico State is under the direction of fifth-year head coach Tony Samuel. A former standout defensive lineman and assistant coach at Nebraska, Samuel's Aggies serve as a dangerous opening night opponent for U of L.
