By Chris Duncan
The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Years from now, Louisville will point to its 26-20 win over Florida State in September 2002 as one of the program's most important victories ever.

But last week's 20-17 victory at Southern Mississippi may end up being the most significant win of this season.

Louisville (6-4, 4-2 Conference USA) rallied from a 17-3 deficit to secure bowl eligibility and keep alive slim hopes of sharing a third straight league title.

The Cardinals also showed coach John L. Smith the togetherness and camaraderie that he's been seeking all season.

"We overcame the adversity we had created for ourselves and we pulled together," Smith said at his weekly news conference on Monday. "We didn't do a bunch of stupid things. We just kind of wrapped our arms around each other and played hard.

"There was no bickering. We made up our mind we were going to win the game."

The Cardinals can ensure their fifth consecutive winning season by beating UAB (5-5, 4-2) in their home finale on Saturday. They close the season at Houston (4-6, 2-5) on Nov. 30.

Louisville had bigger goals in mind than just a winning record when the season began. But Smith said the team can still target important milestones, including an unprecedented fifth straight bowl game.

"We've got a lot of things still to shoot for and a lot of fun left ahead," Smith said. "It can end up being a very positive year."

Conference USA has five bowl tie-ins, and Louisville is still alive for all of them. Besides the Liberty Bowl, the league will send teams to the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala. (Dec. 18), the Houston Bowl (Dec. 27), the Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu (Dec. 25) and the New Orleans Bowl (Dec. 17).

Smith said he isn't thinking about a bowl game and neither are the players.

"They're not worried about that. I don't even hear them talk about it, which is good," Smith said. "We just want to play well in the last couple. Whatever happens to us is a reward, icing on the cake."

If Smith had his choice, he would opt out of a third straight trip to chilly Memphis and the Liberty Bowl.

"I'm politicking for Hawaii," he cracked.

Quarterback Dave Ragone and 13 other Louisville seniors can reach another landmark on Saturday. Two more wins will give them 35 for their career, a school record for any senior class.

"This is going to be a special, special day. We've got to make it special," Smith said. "We've already talked to our team about sending those guys out the way we should."

It might also be the last home game for junior defensive end Dewayne White, who may leave early for the NFL.

The 6-foot-3, 277-pound White came into this season touted as one of the nation's top defensive linemen. Whether he leaves this season or next, White is already the school's all-time leader in sacks (36.5) and tackles for loss (55).

But White hasn't matched the numbers he compiled in his first two seasons, creating doubt in Smith's mind that he's ready for the pros.

"We've discussed it. There's going to be a decision made on that," Smith said. "He and I are going to meet with some people to determine where (he might be drafted) and what we think.

"I want what's best for him," Smith said. "If it's not up there, he's got to come back and get it up there. His stock? I don't know where his stock is. He has not had a stellar year. We'll just have to wait and see."