SMU 34-27 Louisville (Oct. 5, 2024) Game Recap

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kevin Jennings passed and rushed for career highs, Isaiah Nwokobia intercepted a pass in the end zone with 2:23 left to seal it, and SMU managed to jump out to a double-digit lead and beat No. 22 Louisville 34:27 on Saturday.

The Mustangs (5-1, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) picked up another significant win as ACC newcomers, but only after their 24-13 halftime lead turned into a 27-1 tie early in the fourth quarter had. The Cardinals (3-2, 1-1) had fought back behind Ja'Corey Brooks' 86-yard catch-and-run touchdown and a 1-yard TD run by Donald Chaney Jr. in the third.

After missing a field goal on its first drive in the fourth quarter and a punt in the third quarter, SMU took over at the 11 and, with the help of several Louisville penalties and a video review showing Brashard Smith's fumble, Louisville recovered. erased the winning goal at the 5. That gave the Mustangs possession at the 13, and Louisville penalties for pass interference and offside moved the ball to the 1.

LJ Johnson took over for the touchdown with 6:39 minutes left.

The Cardinals entered SMU territory, but Tyler Shough was sacked for a 9-yard loss before throwing a fourth-down pass into traffic that Nwokobia downed, sealing the Mustangs' third straight win.

Jennings completed 21 of 27 passes for 281 yards and rushed for 113 yards. He ran for a 59-yard touchdown, Roderick Daniels Jr. scored on a 5-yard run and Preston Stone hit Key'Shawn Smith for a 10-yard touchdown.

Shough completed 22 of 35 passes for 329 yards and 2 touchdowns, but was sacked three times and threw a crippling interception.

Impact on the survey

Louisville expects to drop out of the rankings with a second straight loss, while SMU could move up after receiving four votes last week.

The takeaway food

SMU got going right from the start and appeared to be in control for more than two quarters, fumbling only once on its first six drives as the defense pressured Louisville throughout. The Mustangs' momentum waned after Rogers' second field goal, but they rallied and scored late.

Louisville tried to catch up the entire time, but finally found its rhythm thanks to Isaac Brown's big run. Shough's ability to extend a play and find Brooks was tremendous, but when he failed to get a fourth down in SMU territory, he hit the Cardinals.

Next

SMU visits Stanford on Oct. 19 after a bye.

Louisville visits Virginia.

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