Cardinal fans, just remember this line: It’s only going to get tougher in the Big East.  However, Louisville will certainly take a 14-point win over an inferior team on the road in their conference opener as they did tonight in a 71-57 victory over South Florida.

Earl Clark led the scoring output tonight with 22 points, as Samardo Samuels and T-Will both spent significant time on the bench in foul trouble.  Though the Cards were able to handle that tonight (no complaints from Peter Tom, but just pointing it out), just think about how much potential this team has if two of those big three were on at the same time.  That is what we all expected, and that is why the Cards were ranked 3rd in the preseason.

I completely forgot Augustus Gilchrist was a Bull tonight.  His is a crazy story.  After transfering to Maryland from Virginia Tech after the on-campus massacre in Blacksburg, Gilchrist was hit with the little-known ACC rule that not only forces transfers from one school to another sit out for a year, but it takes away a full year of eligibility.  After seeing this rule’s reach, Gilchrist left the Terrapin program for Tampa.  Tonight, he scored 11 points off the bench.

Villanova will be the next opponent for the Cardinals on Saturday afternoon, but to hold you over until the Pinkie’s preview, here are tonight’s honors (with a tribute to Rolf).  Check back Friday for the breakdown of the Wildcats.

The Good: Earl Clark was able to shake off the disastrous final two minutes of the Kentucky game and played extremely smart basketball this evening, finishing with 9 rebounds to go with his game high 22 points.

The Bad: USF guard Dominique Jones had a game he hopes he can forget for a long time tonight.  The line: 36 min, 1-10 fg (1-3 3pt fg), 4 to, 11 pts.

Does Ron Burgundy know about the Big Ten Network?

The Ari Wolfe: The distinction doesn’t even come from this particular game.  With the Cards in full control, the Pinkie Posse switched over to the Big Ten Network and watched Indiana blow a 20-point second half lead to Michigan.  However, the comeback wasn’t nearly as amazing as the announcer who yelled after nearly every play in the final 3 and 1/2 minutes plus overtime.  The quote of the night, when a Michigan guard dribbled down the sideline in a tied ballgame: “He stepped ON THE LINE!” (With Gus Johnson emphasis).  Despite the complete obnoxiousness of the guy, in the words of Ron Burgundy, “I’m not even mad; that’s amazing!”  If anyone can find out who this play-by-play broadcaster was, the Pinkie would be very appreciative.