1. Louisville muffs an incredible opportunity
With the loss in Virginia, a win could have further solidified the Cardinals' chances of making the ACC Championship game. Instead, at every twist and turn, Louisville continually ruined every good opportunity put into their laps, especially in the 4th quarter. Plain and simple, the offensive playcalling and the offense overall were unable to do anything in their efforts to win this game. The Cardinals were outcoached in this game, and Cal coached to win, while the Cardinals coached not to lose (which ultimately did not work).
It’s an incredibly disappointing loss, and one that pretty much knocks Louisville out of the ACC title picture as well as any potential College Football Playoff hopes. It has been a great season so far, but the final results will fall short of what many Cardinal fans had hoped for at the season's beginning. It’s now time to pick back up the pieces and keep playing, with the hope that others can help the Cardinals out and restore any hope of these two appearances happening. Another sign that Louisville is oh so close, but not quite there to take the next needed step with the football program.