By Brandon Davis
The University of Louisville football team defeated the Kansas State Wildcats 38-29 at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium Wednesday night.
The offense took a step in the right direction, showing glimpses of the unit that performed as one of the nation’s best for most of the decade. U of L accumulated 577 yards of total offense, led by a core of young bidding stars headed by the play of freshman running back Victor Anderson.
Coming into the game, the Wildcats were allowing an average of just eight points per game.
Anderson rushed for 176 yards on 18 attempts, including touchdown runs of 27, 29 and 56 yards. It was the first time a U of L running back had rushed for three touchdowns in one game since Michael Bush against Kentucky in 2006.
“I just go out and run,” Anderson said. “I don’t remember what happens. After a play you have to put that behind you.”
Anderson was aided by pair of young wideouts who consistently came up with big catches to lead the Card’s offense. Sophomore Doug Beaumont and freshman Josh Chichester combined for 174 yards on 13 catches, including 119 yards by Beaumont.
“Overall, the pieces are there,” U of L head coach Steve Kragthorpe said. “We just have to continue to find more guys and cement them together.”
Sophomore wide receiver Troy Pascley joined in on the fun with a 13-yard touchdown reception on the first drive of the second half.
Senior running back Brock Bolen rushed for 104 yards on 23 carries.
Senior quarterback Hunter Cantwell had his most impressive showing of the season, finishing 22-for-33 with 274 yards and two touchdowns.
“I thought Hunter was very good tonight,” Kragthorpe said. “He was very efficient and planted his feet well.”
The defensive was also impressive, shutting down the Wildcat’s running attack and forcing highly touted junior quarterback Josh Freeman into two interceptions, both picked off by senior cornerback Woodny Turenne.
Kansas State entered the game as one of the highest ranked offenses in the country, averaging 57 points per game and over 300 yards through the air. The Cards held the Wildcats to just 14 points after three quarters of play before a couple of big plays after the outcome had already been decided.
“There’s a lot of things we need to improve on,” Kragthorpe said. “That’s one of the encouraging things. We didn’t play a complete game tonight.”
Next up, the Cards will take on their first Big East opponent, when the University of Connecticut travels to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium next Friday.
