I actually spent quite a bit of time working with several

have to say that there's not a lot of pomposity going on up there as I expected.

Callers on sports talk shows were optimistic on their chances but mostly respectful, and hosts also were quick to quell negative comments, especially DW4's "L" hand signs that had some fans in a tizzy, explaining the backstory on the recently deceased artist and deflecting away from an outward Louisville challenge.

There was also a humorous exchange on how, despite how easy it should be to dis on an outspoken coach like he is, they couldn't help but really like Dabo and his genuine nature. They talked about wanting to hate on him, but they just couldn't do it. Deep down, they seem to feel like he's one of the good guys doing things the right way, and they know they're in for a helluva fight.

Sporting the paw hat when I could, there was nothing but good-natured ribbing. Very happy to have traded out Maryland for Louisville. Big time win for the ACC, and Clemson, on this one.

Go Tigers! TCB!

Senore2006

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Re: I hear their are some UNC grads that have never seen a class

Oct 1, 2016, 9:21 AM [ in reply to I hear their are some UNC grads that have never seen a class ]

Louisville has had a few incarnations as a University. A small private school for centuries (established in 1798), it was the first city-owned public university in the US as well as the first chartered university west of the Alleghenies. In that light, as a private metropolitan research institute, they produced some truly excellent results in Medical Science - the first self-contained artificial heart transplant surgery - the world-famous crackerjack team on call 24/7 to reattach severed limbs in accidents. The ambulance and the ER were essentially invented there and it had the nation's first-ever blood bank. Medically, UofL has an outstanding reputation and always has. Along with the excellent Bradeis School of Law producing no end of arsehole lawyers, lol, they also have an engineering program of intense involvement and accomplishment in the Speed School of Engineering.

Otherwise, much of the university has tended to suffer from almost predictable urban problems. They sadly lost the race to remain independent following the 60's and 70's, hemorrhaging money and got bailed out with the aid of the Kentucky legislature, a Faustian bargain which was designed to favor athletic rival and big time local hater, UK. Professorships were lost, grant money died out and the urge of the Kentucky legislature to render it an adjunct of UK nearly won the day - we were very nearly The University of Kentucky @ Louisville, lol. Gag me with a spoon.

But a series of forward-thinking Presidents realized they had a local factor which could redound much in the favor of the University. Louisville has a large corporate culture. From Humana to KFC/now Yum!Brands, the central and world HQ hub of UPS, all Ford Truck manufacturing, banking and Insurance centers, Louisville is the engine of the state wide economy. An incredibly devoted alumni base began donating in successively larger and larger amounts until a critical mass of sheer independence was earned. $1.1 Billion in campus improvements and physical plant additions have been added since 2002, making the campus far prettier and actually architecturally interesting. A new paradigm was also set, demanding a frank increase in scholastics and a lessening of the urban mission, tresnding more towards a true research university. The local corporate culture has deeply invested in this as well - another Billion dollar research park is well beyond the planning phase and will house university and corporate partnerships with the local groups.

The visionary AD, Tom Jurich, decided to reach for academic improvement in sports as well. The alternative would be to languish in sub par conferences. He aimed at the top. It was sort of insane, really, at the time, the pretensions of this urge to compete at the highest levels. But the combination of excellent fund raising on the part of President Ramsay and Jurich, combined with their vision in athletics, has turned the entire University on its ear. Currently, Louisville's profile is decidedly up. Qualifying ACT scores are 25% higher than 15 years ago, more doctorates and advanced degrees offered and accepted, a record number of Fullbright Scholars yearly, currently more than all the combined colleges in Kentucky put together.

The effort towards improving the academic profile is a work in progress, but it is definitely moving. I hope this helps a little in that light.

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Spent the past week visiting Louisville on business and I

Academics not on an ACC level...

Agree. Louisville's Academics are the lowest in ACC.

####, man.. That's a great post. TU.***

Re: I actually spent quite a bit of time working with several

Gave you a tu on the 1st post, but it wont let me tu this one too..

nice post, but

Re: nice post, but

we care chucklehead!

"Dipstick"... +1***

i remember

That's very true about choosing what you get out of school

I hear their are some UNC grads that have never seen a class

there are.........***

Re: I hear their are some UNC grads that have never seen a class

Re: I hear their are some UNC grads that have never seen a class

Re: I actually spent quite a bit of time working with several

Yeah...and Harvard and Yale ain't Clemson...William

Re: Yeah...and Harvard and Yale ain't Clemson...William

Awesome post, well said!***

Excellent post... +1.***

Re: I actually spent quite a bit of time working with several

Education is in the heart of the student not the University.

Re: Education is in the heart of the student not the University.

Louisville has been a good addition for the ACC. Have

Clemson wasn't even recognized as a University...

Why do you need a conference to educate?

Re: Academics not on an ACC level...

UNC kind of killed that whole academic standard thing

It's all fun and games until you drive off on a motorcycle

Re: Spent the past week visiting Louisville on business and I

Re: Spent the past week visiting Louisville on business and I

Not sure how ANYONE from Louisville can diss our Dabo

Happy to include UofL, but wish UMD had stay the course.

screw em

My cousin lives up there and loves it, class act bunch of fans***

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