In what is being hailed as the biggest upset in BCS history, the #22 Cardinals of Louisville took down the #4 Gators of Florida to capture a first-ever Sugar Bowl win in New Orleans January 2, 2013. Fanatics has all the Louisville Cardinals Sugar Bowl Championship Apparel to make any U of L alumni or fan both proud and happy.

The 2012 college football season was a strong one for the University of Louisville. Third-year head coach Charlie Strong helped resurrect a Cardinals football team that started sinking after head coach Bobby Petrino left in 2007. When Petrino departed to take the head coaching position for the Atlanta Falcons, the Louisville Cardinals were 11-1 and Orange Bowl winners. In the three years that followed, and under new coach Steve Kragthorpe, the situation at Louisville got progressively worse with each ensuing season. From 2007 – 2009, the Cardinals posted records of 6-6, 5-7 and 4-8, respectively, and didn’t play in any postseason Bowl games. When Kragthorpe was finally fired from the University of Louisville in November 2009, the Cardinals had just put up their worst record in 18 years.

Head Coach Charlie Strong became the 21st coach of the University of Louisville’s football program in 2009 and instantly had a positive impact on the organization. In his first year as head coach, he took the Cardinals to a 7-6 season record and a 2010 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl win over Southern Miss. Year two saw the Cardinals again post a 7-6 record, but end up as Big East Co-Champions. 2012 brought with it a stronger, deeper Cardinals team and with it a dominating 11-2 record that culminated in a stunning Sugar Bowl victory over the heavily favored Florida Gators. Relive every moment of this historic occasion with Fanatics and our collection of 2013 Sugar Bowl Gear, inclduing Louisville Cardinals Champs T-Shirts, Hats, Polos and more.

They did it! Your 2012 ACC Champions Florida State Seminoles (#12) knocked off the NIU Huskies (#15) from the Mid-American Conference to win their 4th-ever Orange Bowl and 26th total Bowl Game. Say, “Congrats!” to your Seminoles with FSU Orange Bowl Champs Gear, T-Shirts and more from Fanatics!

The 2013 Orange Bowl was a historic one as the Northern Illinois Huskies were the first-ever MAC team to play in a BCS Bowl by being the #15 team in the nation. Unfortunately, the 2012 MAC Champions NIU Huskies were unable to match the depth of the Seminoles team and succumbed to an Orange bowl loss. Congratulate the ‘Noles with an FSU Orange Bowl Championship T-Shirt and show everyone where your loyalties lie. !

In three years under head coach Jimbo Fisher, the Seminoles have won 2 ACC Championships and look poised to be a serious National Championship contender next year. This latest Orange Bowl win could be just the impetus Florida State needs to push them to pursue their first National Championship since 1999. Next year’s dominance will have to wait. For now, the best way to show off your Seminoles pride is with Fanatics and our FSU Orange Bowl Champs Gear. We have all the FSU Champs T-Shirts, Hats, Jerseys and 2013 Orange Bowl Merchandise that would make any and every die-hard ‘Noles fan proud.

Congrats Stanford Rose Bowl Champs! Grab your Stanford Rose Bowl Champs Gear and T-Shirts from Fanatics!

Today’s the day Stanford fans have been waiting for – the chance to beat the Badgers in the 99th Rose Bowl event – and they’ve done it! Stanford last met Wisconsin in the 2000 Rose Bowl where the Badgers left with a 17-9 victory over Stanford – but today Cardinal fans rejoice after becoming the 2013 Rose Bowl Champs against their previous victors! Grab your new Stanford Rose Bowl Champs T-Shirt from Fanatics and show your excitement over today’s victory! Fanatics is prepared with all the latest Stanford Rose Bowl champs gear featuring the Stanford Rose Bowl Champions T-Shirt, hat and merchandise. Congrats Stanford Cardinal fans – you’re the 2013 Rose Bowl Champs!

There’s no better way to show your Stanford spirit than by wearing licensed Stanford Rose Bowl Champions gear. The Cardinal have made you proud through another tough season and it’s time to show your love! Grab all the latest Stanford apparel and pick up the Stanford Cardinal Rose Bowl Champs T-Shirt! Go Cardinal!

Lorenzen Wright.

Kerry Kittles.

Samaki Walker.

Erick Dampier.

Todd Fuller.

Vitaly Potapenko.

Unless you’re an avid NBA fan, you may not recognize the aforementioned 6 players. Yet, they are, in order, the six players selected in the 1996 NBA Draft before Kobe Bryant. Not one of those six players was ever selected to an NBA All-Star game or an All-NBA Team; Kobe Bryant has been both a 14-time NBA All-Star as well as a 14-time All-NBA Team member. Add to those stats, Kobe’s 5 NBA Championships and 2-time NBA Finals MVP Awards, and you’ve got a player whose an easy NBA Hall of Fame lock. Recently, Bryant did something no one else has ever done, when on December 5, 2012 (at the age of 34) Kobe Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to score 30,000 points in a career. It may have taken Kobe 17 NBA seasons to get to 30,000 points, but it will only take you 3 days to get this historic Kobe Bryant 30,000 Points T-Shirt from Fanatics.

Kobe Bryant cemented his name in NBA history with professional basketball greats the likes of: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain as one of only five players to reach such a landmark. Four of those five players were Los Angeles Lakers at one point in their careers, so this Kobe Bryant 30,000 Pts. Tee is definitely a must-have for any and every LA Lakers fan. Proudly display your Lakers pride in The Black Mamba with Fanatics and our Kobe Bryant 30k Points T-Shirt.

It’s been a crazy year, full of upsets and surprises. All that’s left for you to do now is grab some team apparel and root on your favorite school to a College Bowl victory. No need to ask, “When are the Bowl Games?” or even, “What are the Bowl Games?” Fanatics has a complete guide to all the teams and more with our 2012-2013 BCS Bowl Game Schedule. We carry all the great College Bowl Gear, so you can represent your favorite school in championship style!

What: Rose Bowl

When: January 1, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. (EST)

Where: Pasadena, California

Who: Stanford (11-2) vs. Wisconsin (8-5)

The 99th Rose Bowl event will feature BIG 10 Champions Wisconsin Badgers against Pac-12 Champions Stanford Cardinal; two teams who previously met at the 2000 Rose Bowl, when Wisconsin left Pasadena with a 17-9 victory. The Badgers hope to carry a victory on the back of First-team All-American and Heisman finalist Montee Ball, who currently holds the NCAA record for most career rushing touchdowns. Stanford, who sank #1 Oregon’s National Title hopes, with a 17-14 upset over the Ducks Nov. 17, look to avenge their 2000 Rose Bowl loss to the Badgers and win just their 2nd out of their last 6 Bowl appearance.

What: Orange Bowl

When: January 1 , 2013 at 8:30 p.m. (EST)

Where: Miami Gardens, Florida

Who: FSU (11-2) vs. Northern Illinois (12-1)

The 2013 Discover Orange Bowl features 2012′s ACC Champions Florida State Seminoles against MAC Champions NIU Huskies. NIU is the first MAC team to earn a BCS bid by becoming the 15th ranked team in the nation. The Seminoles, on the other hand, played in the first-ever BCS national championship game in 1998, and haven’t won a BCS Bowl game since they won the 1999 Sugar Bowl and National Championship. The Huskies will be helmed by new head coach Rod Carey, as their previous coach Dave Doeren accepted the head coach position at NC State the day after the Huskies won the MAC Championship. The Seminoles themselves recently lost a coach, as Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops left FSU Nov. 27, to take the head coaching position at Kentucky.

What: Sugar Bowl

When: January 2, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. (EST)

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana

Who: Florida (11-1) vs. Louisville (10-2)

The 2013 Allstate Sugar Bowl is a matchup of the SEC’s Florida Gators against 2012′s Big East Champions Louisville Cardinals. The Gators finished the 2011 season with a record of 7-6, including a 3-5 record in the Southeastern Conference. What was supposed to be a rebuilding year of sorts for the Gators, turned into an almost National Championship caliber one due in most part to the stellar play of Sophomore QB Jeff Driskel. Driskel set the Florida Gators record for rushing yards by a quarterback in October, topping Tim Tebow’s 2007 effort. Third-year Louisville head coach Charlie Strong has led the Cardinals to third Bowl game in a row. Louisville exceeded expectations this year, to put together a 10-2 record, despite going 7-6 the previous two seasons. The Cardinals last Bowl game was a 2011 loss in the Belk Bowl to NC State 31-24. If Louisville upsets Florida at the Sugar Bowl, it will be one of the biggest upsets of the 2012/13 Bowl season.

What: Fiesta Bowl

When: January 3, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. (EST)

Where: Glendale, Arizona

Who: Oregon (11-1) vs. Kansas State (11-1)

The 2013 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl features two teams that narrowly missed playing for a National Championship. The Oregon Ducks were the #1 team in the nation until a surprising overtime loss to Stanford Nov. 17 erased their National Championship hopes. Likewise, BIG 12 Champions Kansas State was ranked #2 until a 24-52 blowout loss to Baylor knocked the Wildcats from National Champion contention. The Fiesta Bowl also marks the first time these two teams have faced each other. 2012 marks the first Conference title for K-State since 2003, and the first time the Ducks are heading into a bowl game not as Pac-12 Champions since 2009.

What: BCS Championship

When: January 7, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. (EST)

Where: Miami Gardens, Florida

Who: Notre Dame (12-0) vs. Alabama (12-1)

The 2013 Discover BCS National Championship Game is an historic one to say the least. Alabama, the current 2012 SEC Champions, as well as 2009 and 2011 BCS National Champs, have been a powerhouse organization and were the #1- or #2-ranked team in the nation every week except one the entire 2012 football season. Notre Dame, on the other hand, started 2012 as the #22-ranked collegiate team, and hadn’t been #1 in the nation since 1993 and hadn’t been undefeated since 1988, when the Irish defeated West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl to become national champions. Notre Dame is the first team not aligned with a conference to play for the National Championship since the Miami Hurricanes won in 1989. No school has more national championship titles (13) than Notre Dame, except for one — Alabama (14).

The holiday season can be an overwhelming time of doubt and uncertainty. Fret not, fan-faithful, Fanatics.com has everything you need to make sure this year is a great one for the sports fan(s) in your life. We will be counting down the Top 10 Gifts for Sports Fans of the 2012 season. All of these items are available for your holiday purchase at Fanatics and Football Fanatics. The votes have been tallied and the results are in. The #1 Gift this year for the sports fan in your life: Nike Football Gloves.

Wear gloves, not pine tar

As long as there’s been sport in America, there have been people creating ways to play faster, better. From pig skins to cow hides; leather helmets to polycarbonate alloys. And where once a player may have thought to put peanut butter or pine tar on their hands, now we have the Nike Vapor Jet Gloves. Playing a quick game of sandlot football just got kicked up a notch when you’re racing down the dirt with these bad boys on your digits. Nike NFL Gloves turn any backyard scrimmage into a true sporting event.

Question: Why do I need gloves to play football? Answer: Do you KNOW how hard an NFL QB throws?

The average NFL QB can throw a football around 35-40 mph. Without gloves, you could easily jam your fingers or bruise them up something awful. Now, you may not hauling in bullets from Tom Brady anytime soon, but why not look like you are? Nike Football Gloves turn the act of catching a football into somewhat of an art form. With their bright, team-matched colors and interlocking designs, Nike Football Gloves don’t just protect your hands, they guard your sense of style.

The Science behind the spectacular

Nike Receiver Gloves were designed by some pretty smart people. Not only are they available in the logos and colors of every NFL team, but they’re built with some serious attention to detail. The palms of the gloves contain Magnigrip CL material to strengthen grip in all conditions. Mesh resides on the back for breathability, and a gusset system delivers a flexible range of motion for the fingers. Thermoplastic elastomers bond to the center of the gloves to increase durability and comfort. Oh, and, uh . . .they look really, really cool!

‘Throw your hands in the air . . .’

One of, if not the best, feature of the Vapor Jet Gloves is their design. An interlocking print on the gloves will create a team’s logo when one’s hands are put together. Think of it as the exclamation point on a touchdown catch. A way to silence the crowd after you’ve picked off the QB late in the game. You snatch the ball from the heavens, cross the plane of the goal, and throw your hands together, showing everyone the team you really play for (even if it’s only in your head). Nike Receiver Gloves—you’ll play on a different level altogether.

Last Blog Post – Best Gift Ideas for Sports Fans at Fanatics: #2 Sports Blankets.

On January 7, 2013, Notre Dame will face off against either the University of Alabama or the Georgia Bulldogs to win the NCAA Division I Football Championship. The last time Notre Dame won a national Championship, Microsoft had just released its second version of Windows; the first George Bush had yet to be sworn into office and Patriots star Tight End Rob Gronkowski wasn’t even born yet. This is the first time since Nov. 15, 1993 that Notre Dame is ranked No. 1 in either the Associated Press or USA Today Coaches poll. A lot has happened to the Fighting Irish since the last time they compiled an undefeated season, and Fanatics has all the Notre Dame BCS Championship Merchandise to represent a lifetime of football greatness.

Coach Kelly and the ‘Rule of Three’

Brian Kelly can join an elite group of Irish coaches if he pulls off a win this coming January. Five coaches in Notre Dame’s history have finished unbeaten, won an NCAA championship with 1 loss or both in their third year as coach of the Fighting Irish. If Kelly pulls off this next win, he will go down as one of the great Notre Dame coaches of all-time and secure a place in the record books. Be there when history is made with Notre Dame BCS Champs T-Shirts from Fanatics. We have all the BCS Championship Tee Shirts to keep Irish eyes smiling all year long.

Evening up the score

The upcoming Discover BCS National Championship Game will be the 32nd bowl appearance for Notre Dame, who’s compiled a 15-16 record thus far. They can even up their win/loss record and get their 14th National Championship against either Alabama or Georgia. Make sure you are there when the record books get rewritten with our collection of Notre Dame BCS Championship Apparel. A Notre Dame BCS Championship Hat or Sweatshirt lets the world know you’ve been singing the Notre Dame Victory March before it was cool.

No matter who wins the big game in Miami, we’ll have all the BCS Championship Merchandise and Apparel to celebrate on whatever campus or couch you call home.