Written by Garin Turner
It's been an up and down year for the Louisville Cardinals (6-4, 3-4 ACC) as they look to finish the season strong these last two games before bowl season. They're home this week against the Syracuse Orange (4-6, 2-4 ACC) which can be seen on ESPNU 2:30 PM CST.
This will be the 16th meeting between the two schools with Louisville holding a 9-6 advantage. The series goes back to 1985.
For the Orange, it's the same narrative as most teams this season against the Cardinals. Find a way to at least slow down quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson has recorded at least 300 yards of total offense in every game this year which matches his own school record for most 300-yard games in a season. Despite the four loses, Jackson could still be in the running for another Heisman which would make him the second person ever to win the Heisman twice with the other being Ohio State's Archie Griffin. Jackson is 212 for 352 for 3,003 yards and 21 touchdowns versus six interceptions. He's the leading rusher for the Cardinals as well carrying 178 times for 1,176 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Jaylen Smith is among one of his favorite targets this year. Smith has 44 receptions for 703 yards and four touchdowns. Dez Fitzpatrick has 40 receptions for 611 yards and a team high seven touchdowns while fellow receiver Seth Dawkings has 34 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns.
The best defense for the Orange in this one might be a good offense. They can keep Jackson and Co. on the sidelines by establishing a rhythm on offense. Syracuse has a dual threat qb of its own in Eric Dungey. Dungey has completed 225 passes out of 377 for 2,495 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He's also carried the ball 143 times for 595 yards and a team high nine touchdowns.
Dontae Stickland has 128 carries for 482 yards and four touchdowns on the year for the Orange. Their go to guy in the passing game is Steve Ishmael with 92 receptions for 1,131 yards and six touchdowns. Ervin Phillips adds 79 receptions for 826 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite their losing record, Syracuse is averaging 30 points a game and 472 yards of total offense. The Orange will finish the year next week at home against Boston College.
Louisville will take to the road to face Kentucky.
This will be the 16th meeting between the two schools with Louisville holding a 9-6 advantage. The series goes back to 1985.
For the Orange, it's the same narrative as most teams this season against the Cardinals. Find a way to at least slow down quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson has recorded at least 300 yards of total offense in every game this year which matches his own school record for most 300-yard games in a season. Despite the four loses, Jackson could still be in the running for another Heisman which would make him the second person ever to win the Heisman twice with the other being Ohio State's Archie Griffin. Jackson is 212 for 352 for 3,003 yards and 21 touchdowns versus six interceptions. He's the leading rusher for the Cardinals as well carrying 178 times for 1,176 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Jaylen Smith is among one of his favorite targets this year. Smith has 44 receptions for 703 yards and four touchdowns. Dez Fitzpatrick has 40 receptions for 611 yards and a team high seven touchdowns while fellow receiver Seth Dawkings has 34 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns.
The best defense for the Orange in this one might be a good offense. They can keep Jackson and Co. on the sidelines by establishing a rhythm on offense. Syracuse has a dual threat qb of its own in Eric Dungey. Dungey has completed 225 passes out of 377 for 2,495 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He's also carried the ball 143 times for 595 yards and a team high nine touchdowns.
Dontae Stickland has 128 carries for 482 yards and four touchdowns on the year for the Orange. Their go to guy in the passing game is Steve Ishmael with 92 receptions for 1,131 yards and six touchdowns. Ervin Phillips adds 79 receptions for 826 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite their losing record, Syracuse is averaging 30 points a game and 472 yards of total offense. The Orange will finish the year next week at home against Boston College.
Louisville will take to the road to face Kentucky.