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JACKSONVILLE, FL - Mike Hartley, Chairman of the Toyota Gator Bowl, officially extended an invitation to Tom Jurich, Athletic Director of the University of Louisville, to be the Big East Conference representative in the January 2, 2006 Toyota Gator Bowl Classic where they will play a representative from the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Cardinals moved to an 8-2, 4-2 record during their final home game of the season which resulted in a 41-17 win over Syracuse on Saturday. Currently ranked #16 in the AP poll and #17 in the USA Today poll, Louisville has one game remaining against their last Big East opponent of the season, the University of Connecticut, which will be played on Saturday, December 3. The Louisville Cardinals will be making their first visit to Jacksonville for the 2006 Toyota Gator Bowl. While the University of Louisville is bowl eligible for the eighth straight season, this will be the first year they will participate as a Big East representative. Bobby Petrino is in his third year as Head Coach of the Louisville Cardinals. He was 20-5 in his first two seasons and captured the 2004 Conference USA and Liberty Bowl titles by going 11-1 overall and 8-0 in the league. He was named the league?s Coach of the Year. "Louisville is truly among the greatest of football programs in the country. The Cardinals have had an outstanding season and we are looking forward to an exciting Bowl match up in Jacksonville,? said Chairman Mike Hartley. ?We?re excited and proud to accept an invitation to the Toyota Gator Bowl,? said U of L Vice President for Athletics Tom Jurich. ?It?s a great privilege to represent the BIG EAST Conference in our initial season in the league. I know our team and coaching staff are looking forward to the challenge of playing a strong ACC representative in our eighth straight bowl. I had an opportunity to attend last year?s Super Bowl in Jacksonville and saw first-hand how the city embraces a big event and the enjoyment so many visitors had. I know our team and fans are looking forward to a great experience in Florida.? ?We?re really excited about taking the University of Louisville to the Gator Bowl,? said head coach Bobby Petrino, who?s making his third straight bowl appearance. ?The Gator Bowl has an incredible history of putting on a first class game. Having coached in the NFL for three years in Jacksonville, I know our fans and players will enjoy the city. I?m pleased for our players who have put in a tremendous amount of hard work and this is a great reward for them.? The 61st Annual Toyota Gator Bowl will be played on January 2, 2006 at 12:30 p.m. in Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Tickets and Bowl information are available online at www.gatorbowl.com.
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