Louisville football aims to break free from early-game struggles to improve its season outlook. Following a defeat to SMU at L&N Stadium, the Cardinals find themselves outside the ACC championship race.
In their first matchup against SMU in four decades, the No. 22 Cardinals sought to recover from their initial loss of the season. Facing a Mustangs team that had impressively outscored its last two opponents, Louisville aimed for a 2-0 start in conference play for the second consecutive year.
Despite a setback against Notre Dame, Louisville showcased a balanced offensive performance, averaging 41.5 points per game while allowing only 16. A victory over SMU would mark the Cardinals’ first win in three encounters against the Mustangs.
L.J. Johnson Jr. opened the scoring for SMU with a 1-yard run soon after a fumble by Brashard Smith was overturned upon review. Notably, Ja’Corey Brooks caught an 86-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Shough, exploiting a slip by SMU cornerback Jonathan McGill.
The game saw Collin Rogers successfully convert a 43-yard field goal after Louisville’s defense managed to keep their opponents out of the end zone following a significant drive led by SMU. In the second half, running back Don Chaney Jr. scored on a 1-yard plunge as part of an eight-play, 78-yard drive for the Cardinals.
SMU continued its scoring with a 55-yard field goal from Collin Rogers and additional attempts by Brock Travelstead, who made field goals from 38 and 46 yards, respectively. Kevin Jennings contributed a notable 59-yard touchdown run for SMU.
The first touchdown for Louisville came via a 50-yard completion from Shough to Ahmari Huggins-Bruce, leading to a 6-yard touchdown pass to Brooks.
Injuries affected both teams, with Louisville missing cornerback Quincy Riley and defensive lineman Dez Tell, while safety Devin Neal had left the team.
The game was broadcast nationally on ESPN, with kickoff scheduled for Oct. 5 at noon. Louisville’s last victory against SMU dates back to 1984, where they fell to a historic deficit then. As both teams brought notable offensive strength, Louisville aimed to turn the tide and find momentum after previous self-inflicted setbacks.