Louisville Cardinals keep ACC championship hopes alive with win over Virginia Cavaliers

In a thrilling matchup, the 11th-ranked Louisville Cardinals overcame a challenging game against the two-win Virginia Cavaliers, emerging victorious with a 31-24 score at L&N Stadium. Despite being 20 ½-point favourites, Louisville faced a resilient Virginia team that had previously secured a top-10 win over North Carolina.

The game witnessed special teams touchdowns for both teams, with Louisville’s resilience ultimately securing the win. Louisville’s home winning streak extended to 11 games, bringing them one step closer to the ACC championship game, a historic achievement for the program.

The Cardinals’s defence, which had shown strength throughout the season, faced a formidable Virginia offence led by quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who totalled 314 passing yards. Despite the Cavaliers taking a 21-14 lead into the fourth quarter, Louisville demonstrated resilience and determination.

The game took a sombre turn when Cavalier’s tailback Perris Jones was carted off the field after a scoring play, leading to a brief pause in the game. Louisville safety Cam Kelly expressed his well wishes for Jones’s speedy recovery.

Louisville’s offence, led by quarterback Jack Plummer, faced challenges but managed crucial plays, including a 52-yard touchdown pass to receiver Ahmari Huggins-Bruce, tying the game at 24-all. Running back Isaac Guerendo sealed the victory with a go-ahead touchdown on a 73-yard run.

The Cardinals’ defence played a pivotal role in securing the win by forcing a punt and turnover on downs in the final minutes. Cornerback Storm Duck made a crucial play in coverage on fourth down, ensuring the Cavaliers couldn’t stage a comeback.

Louisville coach Jeff Brohm expressed pride in his team’s performance, highlighting their ability to hang in and secure the win under challenging circumstances. The victory positions Louisville for a potential ACC championship game, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.

Quarterback Jack Plummer emphasised the team’s resilience, noting the importance of learning from challenging games and preparing for the upcoming matchups. The Cardinals continue to build on their successes as they navigate a competitive season.