Its Official: Stanley will miss Gator Bowl

The Louisville football team suffered another setback in its preparation for the Gator Bowl as the Cardinals learned they will be without senior defensive tackle Montavious Stanley.

Stanley, a team captain, has a left pectoral tear and is scheduled to undergo surgery this Friday. According to Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino, Stanley will miss the remainder of practices, as well as the Cardinals highly-anticipated matchup on January 2 against Virginia Tech.

Stanley started every game for the No. 16 ranked Cardinals this season, recording 48 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Perhaps more valuable then his statistics, Stanley's veteran leadership will be missed on the line. A three-year starter, the 6-2,321-pounder is the team's best run stopper. Combining with All-American defensive end Elvis Dumervil, Stanley's massive presence in the middle provided a tough one-two punch for opposing offenses.

Replacing Stanley in the starting lineup will be Adrian Grady. A red-shirt freshman, Grady has seen action in 11 games this season, yet never started. Grady has 24 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries.

The Cardinals will resume preparation for the Gator Bowl on Wednesday and will practice every day until December 22, before breaking on the 23rd for the holidays.

**Stay logged on to CardinalSports.com for complete Gator Bowl coverage as well as Coach Bobby Petrino's bowl press conference later this week.