East Carolina Wins, 28-25

David Garrard threw two touchdown passes and ran for a third score to lead East Carolina (5-2, 3-1 Conference USA) to a 28-25 victory over Louisville (5-2, 2-1) at Louisville, Ky. . . . Kentucky quarterback Jared Lorenzen injured the thumb on his throwing hand during practice and his status for Saturday’s game against No. 12 Georgia is in doubt. Bulldog quarterback Quincy Carter, who has a bruised rotator cuff, is not expected to play. Cory Phillips will start in his place. . . . Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick denied a report in the Boston Globe that he is struggling academically and might make himself available for the NFL draft because of the alleged classroom troubles. . . . John Rushing, a Montana State assistant coach, was suspended while authorities investigate his role in a barroom scuffle involving a student and a shot fired from a handgun. . . . Virginia Military Institute will ask the Southern Conference for an “open-ended leave of absence,” allowing the Keydets (0-7) to play football as an independent but remain in the conference for other sports. . . . ESPN will televise the Independence Bowl through at least 2006 under a new contract.