LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Louisville is wrapping up its first season under first-year coach Jeff Brohm, excitement around program is felt throughout the community.
"They've proven that [when] the fourth quarter comes, they're going to rise up," UofL fan, Ty Spalding, said.
"Expected to win but didn't expect to win this big," UofL alumnus and fan Matt Krouch said.
After knocking off the University of Miami, Saturday, 38-31, the Louisville Cardinals clinched a spot in their first-ever ACC Football title game.
"We couldn't sit still, could not sit still. Nervous. toe-tapping," Krouch said. "I knew that was a big moment for us, for the team, for the city."
"It's something that I, going into this season, never expected," Griffin Ackermann, a UofL alumnus, said. "And I couldn't be happier or more proud to be a UofL fan right now."
Those fans are thanking one man, Saturday.
"I would just tell Jeff that, this fan base, this city, they were in need of a winner. The football program's been in a medicore state," Spalding said. "And this city, this fanbase needed a shot of life, and Jeff, you've given us this shot of life."
For Krouch, who went to UofL in the early 2000's, clinching an ACC title spot was as full circle a moment as they come.
"[Brian] Brohm was there when I was there," Krouch said. "To have his brother [Jeff] there, it's kind of a full circle moment. It's exciting."
"It's just electric, it's been electric all year," Ackermann said. "And for the first time ever, I really feel like it's worth it--feeling that [L&N] stadium and being in that atmosphere."
As the Cards' fanbase takes it all in, they're looking ahead to next Saturday and a tough matchup against rival University of Kentucky.
"This is just a special season. And, look, the job's not done. We have two more games--maybe three more to win," Spalding said.
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