Louisville defeated Syracuse 28-6 on Friday night at the Carrier Dome. The Cardinals (5-1) picked up their first ACC road win and now sit at 3-1 in conference play.

D1-

Once again, the defense answered the bell. Louisville held a prolific Syracuse running attack to 49 yards on 26 attempts. The Orange averaged just 1.9 yards per carry and converted just 5 of 16 third downs.  The Cardinal defense kept Syracuse off the field, Louisville held the time of possession edge 37:01 to 22:59.

RB 1-

Brandon Radcliff started at running back for the second consecutive game and carried the Cardinal offense. The sophomore ran for 110 yards on 23 carries, scoring two touchdowns.  He also had one reception for 29 yards.

QB 1-

Reggie Bonnafon started over Will Gardner, who was nursing a knee injury from the FIU game two weeks earlier. In his second career start, Bonnafon completed 12 of 22 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown.  The freshman threw his first interception of the season in the second drive of the first quarter.

Hot Rod-

Gerod Holliman intercepted his seventh pass on the year and leads the NCAA.

Redemption-

After safety James Sample intercepted a Terrel Hunt pass and returned it for 24 yards to the Syracuse 27, the Cardinal offense stalled, backing the ball up to the 34 yard line. John Wallace, who missed two field goals last week, made a 51 yard field goal, giving Louisville a 12-3 lead.  With the kick, Wallace set a new career long.

Safeties-

Early in the second quarter, Louisville downed Ryan Johnson’s 44 yard punt at the one yard line and then stuffed running back Adonis Ameen-Moore on a second down toss play in the end zone for a safety. Who else, but Gerod Holliman made the tackle, giving Louisville a 9-3 lead.

With under five minutes in the fourth quarter, Syracuse backup quarterback Austin Wilson was sacked and fumbled, sending the ball into the end zone for a safety.

Laundry-

The Cardinal offensive line struggled with penalties, particularly in the second quarter. Louisville finished the game with nine penalties for 75 yards.

Up Next-

Louisville plays at Clemson next Saturday at 3:30 p.m.