The Associated Press

New Louisville coach Bobby Petrino enjoys a laugh with one of his quarterback prospects, Stefan LeFors. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

LOUISVILLE - No bobblehead dolls surfaced at Louisville's football media day Saturday.

No players talked about crashing the Bowl Championship Series or going undefeated.

In other words, this year's media day was nothing like last year's.

"We're not as hyped up as we were. We're more low-key and all about business," said senior Stefan LeFors, the frontrunner to succeed Dave Ragone as Louisville's No. 1 quarterback.

The bold talk last August fizzled before the end of the month. The 17th-ranked Cardinals opened with a loss to archrival Kentucky and struggled to a 7-6 season.

Coach John L. Smith left for Michigan State, Ragone and all-time sacks leader Dewayne White left for the NFL and former Smith assistant Bobby Petrino took over the program.

This season's low expectations suit Petrino just fine.

"It's something that really motivates us," he said.

If there was any hype Saturday, it surrounded sophomore running back Eric Shelton, a former Lexington Bryan Station star who transferred to Louisville from Florida State in 2001. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Shelton is expected to boost a running attack that averaged a meager 107 yards a game in 2002.

Shelton is uncomfortable being the center of attention.

"I'm going to do the best I can," he said. "I just don't want everybody to think I'm a god or a savior or anything."

UK vs. Louisville

When: Aug. 31.

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington.

TV: ESPN2.