Once upon a time, and not terribly long ago, Louisville was on fire. A win against USF, which had tormented the Cardinals through the years, was the third in a row and pushed the record to 5-2 and 1-1 in the Big East. There was hope, too, because likable Scott Long had returned after breaking a foot in the preseason to catch five passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns, including the eventual game-winner in the 24-21 victory.

People were pleased.

“It’s very nice everyone’s been telling everybody how good he was. He was a game breaker. He got to go out there and show that today. It’s good to have him back. There are a million things that make him a good player, one is his work ethic off the field, the way he practices. Also he’s a big physical wide receiver who’s very fast and that combination you don’t find everywhere. He’s got great hands. He’s a team guy not a look-at-me kind of guy. I think he provided a spark today that we needed.”

In practice the following week, he tore an ACL and was lost for the season. People were not pleased. In fact, they were so devastated, they decided to put together a touching tribute.

But as the Cardinals practiced yesterday, a player wearing No. 84 — Long’s number — was racing around the field, catching passes and energizing the offense.

It was Long’s friend and teammate, Trent Guy.

Yesterday he wore No. 84. If U of L can work out the details, Guy will wear No. 84 at Syracuse on Saturday night. Next week it will be Doug Beaumont’s turn. He’ll exchange his No. 27 for 84. Then Long’s number will be worn by Josh Chichester or Troy Pascley or another receiver.