By Sam Draut–

Louisville put together its best performance of the season and defeated Syracuse 41-17 on Saturday at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium to improve to 5-4 overall and 4-2 in the ACC.

“It was one of those fun games,” head coach Bobby Petrino said.

Offensive Output: The Cardinal’s offense put together its most complete performance against a reeling Syracuse team that has now lost six straight games. Louisville finished with 579 yards of total offense, which is the season high. Finally, the running game got going in a big way, rushing for 217 yards. Brandon Radcliff became the first running back this year to rush for over 100 yards, finishing with 117 yards on 10 carries.  Jeremy Smith rushed for 71 yards on 13 carries. The 41 points is the most Louisville has ever scored in ACC play, but the Cardinals could have added more the total. Two lost fumbles, one inside the 10 yard line, and an interception plagued a few more scoring opportunities.

QB1: Kyle Bolin started in place of Lamar Jackson who dealt with an ankle injury this week in practice. Bolin completed 24 of 35 passes for 365 and three touchdowns. The redshirt sophomore completed passes to eight different receivers and orchestrated the offense. After the game, Petrino said Bolin has earned the start for next week.

Receiving Core: Bolin spread the ball around to eight different receivers. Tight end Cole Hikutini had two first half touchdown catches. Jamari Staples had four receptions for 79 yards. James Quick added five catches for 72 yards.

Pick 6…and more: Cornerback Trumaine Washington played superb. The sophomore intercepted and returned the ball 39 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter to give Louisville a 14-10 lead. Washington finished with a career high 12 tackles, four tackles for a loss and a sack.

Defense: Louisville held Syracuse to 286 yards of total offense, 102 rushing yards and 184 passing yards. Washington and linebacker Trevon Young had interceptions while James Burgess recovered a fumble.

Opening possession: Bolin and the Cardinal offense manufactured a strong opening possession of the game, going 75 yards in four plays to take a 7-0 lead two minutes into the first quarter.

Record Breaking: Kicker John Wallace broke Art Carmody’s school record of 60 made field goals late in the third quarter. Wallace hit another field goal in the fourth quarter to up his total to 62.

What is means: With three games remaining, Virginia, Pittsburgh and Kentucky, Petrino may be more apt to rely on Bolin to command the offense. For the first time this year, the offense looked fluid and moved the ball up the field consistently. The passing attack and strong down hill running game that usually defines a Petrino-coached offense took shape on Saturday.

What’s next: Louisville plays its final home game of the season next Saturday against Virginia at 12:30 p.m. Senior Day festivities will take place before the game as Louisville looks to become bowl eligible.