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Louisville-Boise St. in Liberty Bowl

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Liberty Bowl pairing of Louisville and Boise State might be an offensive show not to be forgotten.

"This could be the most exciting matchup in the country. This really is what we call a dream matchup," said Steve Ehrhart, executive director of the bowl, which on Tuesday locked up Boise State as Louisville's opponent for the game Dec. 31.

No. 7 Louisville (9-1) leads the nation in scoring at 49.8 a game and total offense behind quarterback Stefan LeFors. No. 11 Boise State (11-0) is second in both categories, averaging 49.7 points, and has the nation's longest winning streak at 22 games.

"I think fans will really enjoy this matchup," Cardinals coach Bobby Petrino said. "Boise State is an excellent football team with an explosive offense and a good defense."

Boise State coach Dan Hawkins called the game another step in the progression of the Broncos, who this season won their third straight Western Athletic Conference title. The school finished the season with its highest national ranking and is facing a Top-10 school in a postseason bowl for the first time.

But the Broncos are quite familiar with postseason play, and are looking for a second bowl victory over the Cardinals.

Last season, Boise State, ranked 18th, defeated No. 19 TCU 34-31 in the inaugural Fort Worth Bowl. Boise State also beat Louisville 34-31 in the 1999 Humanitarian Bowl. 

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