Old rivalry renews in oldest ballpark: Matchup set for inaugural Wasabi Fenway Bowl
The first college Bowl Game to be played in the shadow of the Green Monster has its two teams.
The University of Cincinnati Bearcats and the University of Louisville Cardinals will meet under the Fenway lights on December 17 for the Wasabi Fenway Bowl. The two universities are no strangers to one another and makeup one of college football’s oldest rivalries. The Bearcats and Cardinals have met 53 times since their first meeting in 1929. The two universities located only 80 miles apart used to duel for “The Keg of Nails” trophy before conference realignment split the pair in 2013.
The Bearcats finished the season 9-3 and were ranked as high as 20 in the Associated Press poll. The Bearcats’ defense is quarterbacked by senior linebacker Ivan Pace Jr, who was named the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
“You really couldn’t ask for a better matchup,” said Cincinnati Director of Athletics John Cunningham. “It’s been too long since the University of Cincinnati and Louisville battled for the ‘Keg of Nails.’ We are looking forward to renewing this historic rivalry that will give this game extra significance. I’m thrilled that our student-athletes will get to end the season in a rivalry game and have an outstanding bowl experience at an iconic venue such as Fenway Park.”
The Cardinals will descend upon Fenway with a 7-5 record but won five of its last seven games. The Louisville defense has frustrated opposing offenses all season long, finishing second in the country in sacks and third in turnovers forced.
“Our program is excited to be selected to the Wasabi Fenway Bowl and visit a great city like Boston,” said Louisville Cardinals Head Coach Scott Satterfield. “Playing at such an iconic venue will be a special experience for our football program and a great experience for our fans. To be able to resume our long-time series with Cincinnati will be a treat for our players and fans. These two programs have shared some great moments and we are looking forward to continuing that rivalry in the postseason.”
The game will also be the first Division 1 Bowl Game to be held in New England.
One of college football’s oldest rivalries will resume in one of the countries’ oldest ballparks at 11:00 am, December 17.
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