Though Syracuse earned more first downs than Louisville, the Cardinals jumped out to a 21-3 lead on Saturday in Kentucky and didn’t look back. Syracuse never recovered, and the closest it came was two scores.
Louisville quarterback Micale Cunningham led the Cardinals’ offense, throwing for a career-high five touchdowns. Cunningham and the Cardinals ended SU’s chances at a bowl game, as SU needed to win all three of its remaining games starting last week against Duke.
Check out the best shots from Saturday’s 56-34 Syracuse loss:
To be eligible for a bowl game, Syracuse needed to win each of its last three games.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Syracuse beat Duke to stay alive, but Saturday's matchup with Louisville got in the way of SU's bowl chances.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Starting quarterback Tommy DeVito went 14-for-21 with two touchdowns against the Cardinals.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Before the first quarter ended, Syracuse trailed 21-3.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Though they dug themselves a hole, the Orange battled back and stayed within two touchdowns of Louisville for much of the second half.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Syracuse moved the sticks 27 times to Louisville's 25 first downs, but it didn't matter in the end.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Louisville's run-pass and read options led to 370 rushing yards and nine yards per carry.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
In total, Louisville recorded 9.97 yards per play, carving up SU's defense.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Louisville's skill-position players averaged 21.6 yards per catch.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Louisville's largest lead of the game was 22.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Tight end Aaron Hackett caught his sixth touchdown of the year.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Syracuse's offense racked up 510 yards on 77 plays.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Backup Clayton Welch relieved DeVito late in the game and went 3-for-4 for 96 yards.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
With the loss, the Orange's bowl game chances have all but disappeared.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Syracuse's secondary allowed Cardinal receiver TuTu Atwell to catch five passes for 152 yards and two scores.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Two weeks ago, Syracuse fired its defensive coordinator, Brian Ward.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Entering the fourth quarter, SU trailed 49-27.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Taj Harris hauled in six catches for 58 yards.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Louisville quarterback Micale Cunningham threw for a career-high five touchdowns.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Syracuse only turned the ball over once, on a Sean Riley muffed punt.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
With the loss, Syracuse knows its final game of the season will be next week against Wake Forest.
Max Freund | Staff PhotographerPublished on November 23, 2019 at 9:06 pm Contact Max: mefreund@syr.edu
