By Taylor Webster–
The Louisville Cardinals dominated in their first conference game of the 2016 season against Syracuse. The Orange couldn’t keep up with the Cardinals as U of L won 62-28.
Coach Bobby Petrino and his offense set a new school-record with 844 total yards. Louisville had seven touchdowns on the ground in New York.
Lamar Jackson started the game hot. Only 16 seconds into the first quarter, Jackson completed a 72-yard pass to James Quick for a touchdown. Ninety seconds later, Jackson completed a 61-yard pass to Jaylen Smith. Jackson also added two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter, including a 72-yard run.
Jackson set a new ACC record with 610 total yards. He also contributed five touchdowns. Through eight quarters of football, Jackson has over a 1,000 total yards and 13 touchdowns.
Brandon Radcliff continued his career long domination over Syracuse. His 155 rushing yards, 17 yards-per-carry, is a career high for the senior.
Louisville’s defense kept up with Syracuse’s fast paced offense and did not allow their fatigue to affect their play. Overall, the defense was able to keep their footing with the quick-striking offense.
Josh Harvey-Clemons showed how dangerous he is by playing multiple positions during the 60 minutes. Keith Kelsey, Chunky Williams and Zykiesis Canon all lead U of L with eight tackles each.
Todd Grantham’s defense had big success on third down once again. Syracuse was 10-for-23 on third down conversions. Louisville has now held their opponents to only 10 third down conversions on 36 attempts, 27-percent.
However, red flags did show on the road trip.
Dropped passes, missed communication on defense and miscues were sprinkled into the blowout win. The Cardinals also had three turnovers.
With Florida State traveling to The Ville next week, the Cards will need to tie up these mistakes. While a team like Syracuse could not capitalize on U of L’s errors, a more talented FSU will.
Photo by Laurel Slaughter / The Louisville Cardinal
