Petrino Faces Media at Belk Bowl Media Day
December 29, 2014 | Football
CHARLOTTE, N.C.- After a week of preparation and bowl events, the University of Louisville is set to take on Georgia in the 2014 Belk Bowl on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino met the media for the final time before taking on the Bulldogs in the Cardinals' second appearance in the Belk Bowl. The Cardinals fell to NC State 31-24 in the 2011 game.
"We had a fun week here for all of our players," Petrino said. "I've been impressed with the players and their attitude this week. They have worked hard, but have also had some time to have a little fun."
The number one question heading into the postseason was who was going to be the starter at quarterback, but Petrino was holding that secret until the offense trots out on the field on Tuesday night.
"I think we are fortunate to have two guys who have experience and that have been in big games, and have won big games here," Petrino said. "We are going to let you see when they run out and who that starter would be. I do think both of them will play."
Fortunately, the Cardinals have two quarterbacks who will be ready to play in freshmen Reggie Bonnafon and Kyle Bolin. Both quarterbacks have contrasting styles, but each have been extremely effective.
"Reggie has done a great job all year long of executing the offense," Petrino said. "He gives you that tgreat of throwing the ball down field, but running it as well.
When Kyle (Bolin) came in versus Kentucky, and since that point, he has done a good job of executing our offense and getting the ball to our playmakers."
The running game will be in the hands of sophomore running back Brandon Radcliff, who leads the Cardinals with 11 rushing touchdowns and has totaled three 100-yard games.
"He has great lower body strength," Petrino said. "He continues to drive his legs and is a very determined runner. He has had a great season for us. He runs hard and is shifty, and doesn't seem to take the big hit."
While the Cardinals have a solid running game, the Bulldogs have one of the best in the entire country. Behind freshman Nick Chubb, Georgia has lived on being able to run the football, averaging 255.0 yards per game.
"Georgia is very good upfront on the offensive line," Petrino said. "They do a great job on their blocking schemes. The running backs are able to break tackles. Their running backs are so big and physical, but the thing that makes their running game so effective, is their play-action game."
The Cardinals enter the game third in the nation against the run, so linebacker Keith Kelsey knows the Cardinals will be up for the challenge.
"Coach Petrino has done a great job of preparing us this week," Kelsey said. "We have gone up against the first unit this week in practice, so it's been very intense, but it has prepared us for the challenge of facing a great running attack."
After a good week of preparation, the game is finally here, and the Cardinals are ready to hit a different Red and Black team. Louisville has been on a business trip and they are ready to finally take it to the field.
