U of L's Mauldin, Vatuvei expected to play

The University of Louisville football team got some good news ahead of its 3:30 p.m. Saturday game at Notre Dame.

Star linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (hamstring) and defensive lineman Pio Vatuvei (elbow) are both expected to play after missing time because of injuries. U of L coach Bobby Petrino said both players practiced all week and received positive feedback from team trainers.

"I think they'll both be ready," Petrino said. "They practiced well all week. I think they've done a nice job. The trainer told me this morning that they would be ready to play."

Related: 5 things to watch when Louisville takes on Notre Dame

Mauldin missed the 38-19 win at Boston College after tweaking his hamstring for a second time this season when Louisville lost to FSU on Oct. 30. The senior told reporters after the FSU game that he was about 75-percent healthy, and the training staff held him out a week later.

The heart and soul of Louisville's defense and a key pass rusher, Mauldin is second on the team with six sacks. He also has 39 tackles.

Vatuvei, a junior who transferred in from junior college this summer, has been a versatile defensive linemen for Louisville, bouncing between tackle and end and serving as an energy guy off the bench.

Adjusting to the cold

Louisville (7-3) practiced outside at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on Thursday, hoping to get used to the frigid air and biting wind expected at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind., this weekend.

Forecasts call for a moderate 40 degrees in South Bend on Saturday, but the chance for rain is 60 percent with winds hitting up to 20 mph.

RELATED: Q&A with Petrino before Louisville-Notre Dame

"The wind is the biggest thing," Petrino said. "That's the thing that affects the kicking game, and you have to be concerned about how you manage the game if you have the wind or if you're going into the wind. Other than that, both teams have to play in it."

Holliman an award finalist

Louisville safety Gerod Holliman is one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the nation's top defensive player. Holliman, a redshirt sophomore, has a national-best 13 interceptions this season and is one pick away from tying the NCAA's single-season record.

Golson expected to play

Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson is expected to play on Saturday as he nurses an AC joint sprain in his shoulder. The senior signal caller is ninth in the nation in passing yards (3,044) and seventh with 25 touchdown passes. Irish coach Brian Kelly told reporters on Thursday that Golson's shoulder is sore but won't affect his throwing on Saturday.

Reach U of L beat writer Jeff Greer at (502) 582-4044 and follow him on Twitter (@jeffgreer_cj).