Louisville’s season-opening matchup against No. 10 Ole Miss at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Sunday night turned into a high-scoring affair, with the Rebels ultimately prevailing 41-38. The game featured a sluggish first half for the Cardinals but exploded into an offensive showcase during the second half, culminating in a dramatic finish decided by a field goal as time expired.
Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, making his first career start after transferring from Ohio State, orchestrated an impressive fourth-quarter comeback for Louisville. Despite an inconsistent opening performance, Kienholz led scoring drives that tied the game at 24-24 late in the third quarter and again at 38-38 with just over a minute remaining. His standout plays included a 54-yard touchdown pass to Lawayne McCoy and a 7-yard rushing touchdown, along with a 41-yard run that set up a field goal. However, Ole Miss regained possession and kicked the game-winning field goal to secure the victory, marking the first season-opening loss under head coach Jeff Brohm.
Louisville’s defense created opportunities early with two first-half turnovers forced by defensive lineman Clev Lubin and linebacker Stanquan Clark, but the offense failed to capitalize. Running back Isaac Brown, expected to be a key offensive contributor, was limited to just 36 rushing yards on 16 carries by Ole Miss’s defensive front. Tre Richardson emerged as an offensive playmaker, scoring a rushing touchdown and catching a 62-yard scoring reception.
Louisville faces a quick turnaround with a home matchup against Villanova scheduled for Friday, September 11.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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