Homecoming King: Louisville’s Abdullah Sparks Win Over Pitt

Yasir Abdullah, shown above, wins ACC Linebacker of the Week with 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. 

The 6-foot-1 senior from Miramar, Florida made a huge impact on the field this homecoming weekend, leading the Cardinals to a 24-10 victory over the reigning ACC Champion Pittsburgh Panthers. Abdullah’s interception in the first quarter set the tone for the rest of the night. Abdullah, Diaby, and Gilotte combined to create a formidable force against the Pitt offense.

Quarterback Kedon Slovis could never get into a consistent rhythm. While Slovis was struggling, half-back Israel Abanikanda had no problems making plays and even breaking a few tackles. His longest run of the day was 36 yards and he finished with 129 yards and a touchdown.

Louisville snapped Pittsburgh’s seven game road winning streak and did so in convincing fashion on the defensive side of the ball. Quarterback Malik Cunningham struggled to hit his receivers in stride.

But Tyler Hudson, Chris Bell, and Josh Lifson made up for it by making some incredible plays. Bell made an incredible catch on an underthrown ball going up and grabbing it with the defender all over him. Lifson was able to haul in his first career touchdown in Cardinal Stadium to help the Cardinals take the lead.

Coach Satterfield deserves credit for stringing together two wins when the season looked bleak for the Cardinals. There were questions surrounding his tenure here along with the competency of his coaching style and the playcalling of his staff. But they have re-established hope in Card Nation and they have lit the city of Louisville on fire with their win over Pittsburgh.

Louisville remains undefeated on Homecoming weekend under Scott Satterfield. And now they are set to face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons who just climbed their way into the Top 10 with their blistering 43-15 win over Boston College.