NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Terell Floyd returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown on the first play, dual-threat quarterback Teddy Bridgewater directed several scoring drives and No. 22 Louisville surprised No. 4 Florida 33-23 Wednesday night in the Sugar Bowl.
Shaking off an early hit that flattened him and knocked off his helmet, Bridgewater came back to throw TD passes to DeVante Parker and Damian Copeland.
The two-touchdown underdogs from the Big East took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and were never caught. It certainly was a sweet win for Cardinals coach Charlie Strong -- he was Florida's defensive coordinator before leaving after the 2009 season and taking over Louisville.
Down 33-10 midway through the fourth period, the one-loss power from the Southeastern Conference tried to rally late on a 100-yard kickoff return by Andre Debose and a short touchdown pass in the closing minutes. Florida got no closer.
WHAS11 has full team coverage, click on the following links:
Photos:
-Your photos: Fans support the Cards
-Cards arrival home in Lou. following win
The Team:
-Louisville, Florida coaches meet face to face
-Players trash talk in New Orleans before Sugar Bowl
-Cards pay visit to recovering patients at New Orleans hospital
-Cards hold first open practice in NOLA
-Cards hold first Sugar Bowl Practice
-Joker to face Cardinals again, this time with Florida
-Teddy Bridgewater is center of attention for Cards, Gators in New Orleans
-Strong: Cards treating Sugar Bowl as 'business trip'
-The Cards have arrived, it's Sugar Bowl time
The Fans:
-Fans in NOLA celebrate sugar Bowl win
-How to purchase Sugar Bowl Championship gear
-Hall of Fame Cafe prepares for Sugar Bowl game night
-Cardinals celebrate with pre-game festivities at The House of Blues
--Familiar Louisvillians participate in New Orleans Parade
-Cardinal fans ring in New Year in New Orleans
-Cards fans swarm New Orleans for Sugar Bowl
-Cards fans try to get their hands on UofL football poster
-UofL President Ramsey talks about recent athletic, academic success
Raw Video:
-Florida Gators arrive in NOLA
-Bridgewater says he feels 'great'
-Charlie Strong news conference Dec. 27
-Florida football news conference Dec. 27
-Exclusive access to rooftop Fleur De Lis drop NYE
Want the latest Louisville Cardinals news, scores and info? Get the Louisville Sports app from WHAS11 on your phone. Choose your smartphone type below and have the link emailed or texted directly to your phone! Get everything Cards from WHAS11!
