Louisville's ACC Run Begins with a Heartbreaking Loss to SMU
The University of Louisville Cardinals kicked off their first season in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a gut-wrenching 34-31 loss to the Southern Methodist University Mustangs. The game, played in Louisville's own Cardinal Stadium, saw a valiant effort from the Cardinals but ultimately fell short in a nail-biting finish.
A Tight Contest Throughout
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the outset. SMU opened the scoring with a field goal, but Louisville quickly answered with a touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Domann to tight end Ahmari Huggins-Bruce. The Mustangs regained the lead in the second quarter, but Louisville again tied the game with another touchdown pass from Domann.
The third quarter continued the close contest, with SMU extending their lead to 24-17 before Louisville clawed their way back to tie the game with a field goal. The fourth quarter saw both teams exchange touchdowns, with SMU eventually pulling ahead by three points with just over two minutes left on the clock.
A Missed Opportunity
Louisville had a chance to tie the game or even take the lead in the final minutes, driving deep into SMU territory. However, a fumble by running back Jawhar Jordan inside the five-yard line gave possession back to the Mustangs. SMU was able to run out the clock, securing their victory and delivering Louisville a painful start to their ACC journey.
Key Takeaways for Louisville
Despite the loss, the Cardinals showed signs of promise. Domann performed well, completing 18 of 26 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns. The defense also had its moments, forcing two turnovers. However, costly mistakes, particularly in the red zone, ultimately proved decisive.
This opening loss highlights the challenges Louisville faces in their new conference. The ACC is widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in college football, with several highly ranked and experienced teams. The Cardinals will need to improve their consistency and eliminate costly mistakes to be competitive within the conference.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointing start, the Cardinals still have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves. They have a tough schedule ahead, but with the right adjustments and continued effort, they can still achieve success in their inaugural ACC season. The team and their fans will undoubtedly be eager to bounce back and show what they are truly capable of.
