Full Breakdown
Louisville Defeats SMU in High-Scoring ACC Clash
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Game Summary
No. 23 Louisville overcame No. 16 SMU 41–31 on Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky. The contest featured eight lead changes before the Cardinals secured the win with Isaac Brown’s 27-yard touchdown with 5:32 left. A late defensive play forced a SMU fumble at the goal line, turning a potential 19-yard score into a touchback.
Key Performances
Running back Keyjuan Brown posted a career-high 163 rushing yards and two long touchdowns, including a 58-yard run that gave Louisville the lead early in the third quarter. Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz contributed 177 passing yards on 14-of-23 attempts, two passing touchdowns and a rushing score. For SMU, Kendrick Raphael recorded a career-best 197 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 222 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, both taken by Kaleb Beasley.
Statistical Overview
Louisville amassed 442 total yards on 37 carries (265 yards, eight runs of 12+ yards) and completed the game without turnovers. SMU generated 479 yards, ran 20 more plays and held the ball roughly four minutes longer, but lost the turnover battle 3-0. Louisville stopped SMU on fourth down twice and incurred 11 penalties for 110 yards, the most penalty yardage since a 2019 loss at Miami. The temperature at kickoff was 95 °F, the second-hottest home game in Louisville history.
Coaches’ Reactions
Head coach Jeff Brohm said the victory reflected the team’s toughness and its ability to make more plays than the opponent, especially in the final minutes. SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee acknowledged that while his squad outgained Louisville in yards and time of possession, the turnover margin decided the outcome.
Implications for the ACC Race
The win moves Louisville to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in ACC play, positioning the Cardinals near the conference’s early leaders. SMU falls to 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the ACC, marking only the second loss in a game where it exceeded 475 yards under Lashlee. SMU’s next game is at home against Missouri State, while Louisville will host Wake Forest the following week.