High-rated Florida defense likes Sugar Bowl challenge of Louisville and QB Teddy Bridgewater

Florida defensive back Josh Evans is all smiles as he answers questions at a news conference in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. Florida will face Louisville in the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game on Jan. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Bill Haber) (The Associated Press)

Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws during practice at the Superdome in New Orleans Monday, Dec. 31, 2012. Louisville will face Florida in the Sugar Bowl, an NCAA college football game, on Jan. 2nd. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) (The Associated Press)

NEW ORLEANS – Florida is ranked fifth nationally in total defense and third in scoring defense. Yet, safety Josh Evans insists both rankings fail to reflect how good the unit really is.

In his eyes, the No. 4 Gators (11-1) are second to none defensively, something they will try to prove when they play 22nd-ranked Louisville (10-2) and dynamic quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday night.

The Gators' defense fared better than that of Alabama, the NCAA leader in yards allowed, against the three best opponents both teams faced: Texas A&M, LSU and Georgia. The Gators also rank first nationally in pass defense efficiency.

The Cardinals say they expect a tough game. Louisville offensive coordinator Sean Watson says Florida has "every piece defensively you could ever want."