Louisville football: Cards one win away from bowl eligibility after UVA win

Louisville football pulled out another big win this time against ACC Coastal leader Virginia.

It was a gloomy Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville football welcomed 5-2 Virginia to Cardinal Stadium, which surprisingly was a pivotal game in the ACC.

There weren’t exactly a ton of Cardinal fans at Cardinal Stadium.

The forecast predicted enough rainfall to scare most of Card Nation away, it was actually supposed to be record-breaking.

But the rain wasn’t near as bad as expected. Most of the game there was zero to light rainfall. It didn’t stop Cardinal legend Lamar Jackson from making an appearance during the Raven’s bye week.

Both teams have had successful seasons, but this game had the potential to drastically change the trajectory of each of their seasons. Virginia kicked off as a four-point road favorite. Here’s how it went.

Micale Cunningham started at quarterback again for Louisville today and in turn, the offense started strong. After Virginia took an early lead, Cunningham shoveled to Tutu Atwell for the longest “passing” touchdown at Louisville in 10 years.

Atwell in space is as explosive as anyone. But this would be all for the Cardinal offense in the first half. Cunningham once again left with an injury and Evan Conley had less success to say the least. He led four drives, all went for three and outs. He went into the half 2/4 with seven yards passing.

The defense came up huge right before the half ended. Another huge interception from Chandler Jones kept this as a one score game, which was huge given the Cardinal’s offensive struggles. Virginia led after one half of play, 14-7.

The second half had a different ring to it. Cunningham returned thankfully and he was ready to go. He took a major shot and still delivered a beautiful down the field pass to Tutu Atwell to set the Cardinals up for the tie. Javian Hawkins calmly ran it in and just like that, the Cardinals were right back in this ballgame.

But the story today was the Louisville defense. The held UVA under 315 total yards and forced several key turnovers. The forced fumble that was recovered by CJ Avery cemented Louisville as the team with all of the momentum in the second half.

Cunningham capitalized, a Lamar Jackson-esque run around the corner gave the Cardinals their first lead of the night.

The defense wouldn’t budge and with three minutes left in the contest, Louisville put this one on ice. Javian Hawkins looked like the best player on the field today, rushing for over 100 yards yet again. He ran straight up the middle and wouldn’t be denied to give Louisville a 28-14 lead.

Louisville absolutely dominated the second half, outscoring the Cavaliers 21-7. The only points the Cardinals allowed was a late garbage-time touchdown. As Louisville fans know, it can never be easy. So, of course, Virginia recovered the onside kick after that garbage time touchdown. But a late Hail Mary attempt was batted down by Louisville receiver Devonte Peete and the Cardinals held on.

It is truly remarkable the way things have turned around for Louisville football in just a one year span. Coach Scott Satterfield should be so proud of what this team has done.

They’ve battled through a ton of injuries and a very tough schedule. Now, they’re quietly looking at a possible Orange Bowl berth…. didn’t think I’d say that this year.