Louisville, Ky — Here’s a look at the best, worst and biggest plays that impacted Syracuse’s 41-3 loss on the road to Louisville on Saturday.
Best individual performance
On a day when Lamar Jackson received the ultimate honor of getting his No. 8 jersey retired at Louisville, the Cardinals’ current quarterback put on a show reminiscent of his predecessor. Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham issued a dominant performance of 209 passing yards and five total touchdowns and all five scores were in the first half. He totaled 19 yards on the ground and added a rushing touchdown, too. Cunningham earned a well-deserved break in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game since Louisville built a 35-point lead heading into the final 15 minutes.
Best Syracuse performance
Saturday wasn’t a good day of football for Syracuse fans. Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader only totaled 46 passing yards with 10-of-18 completions.
Orange running back Sean Tucker entered the game needing only 106 rushing yards to break Joe Morris’ single season rushing record. However, Louisville’s stingy defense limited Tucker to 95 yards on 19 carries. Despite Tucker not breaking the school’s overall record, he did pass Walter Reyes to move into second place on the all-time single-season rushing list.
Best pass
Malik Cunningham is known for his speed, but he also has the ability to beat you with his arm. The Louisville quarterback gave multiple examples on Saturday, but his best throw was a 41-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Watkins to give the Cardinals a 28-3 lead midway through the second quarter.
Best Lamar Jackson impression
Malik Cunningham has drawn multiple comparisons to former Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson. His best impression of the former Heisman Trophy award winner was on the Cardinals’ first possession of the game when he rushed for a 6-yard touchdown. Cunningham faked a run to Mitchell and kept the ball for himself, avoiding Syracuse defensive back Duce Chestnut in the process.
Best Syracuse defensive performance
Syracuse defensive back Garrett Williams had five solo tackles and a pass breakup, while linebacker Stefon Thompson also totaled five tackles, including a tackle for loss.
Best kick
Andre Szmyt nailed a 43-yard field goal to put Syracuse on the scoreboard with a little over five minutes left in the first quarter of Saturday’s game. It was his longest kick this season since he connected on a 48-yarder against Albany on Sept. 18. The kick also marked Szmyt’s 64th career field goal, adding to his all-time record for a Syracuse player.
Worst turnover
Syracuse had an opportunity to score its first touchdown of the game on a fourth down attempt late in the third quarter, but Garrett Shrader fumbled the ball and Louisville’s Greedy Vance recovered for the game’s first turnover.
Worst offense
Syracuse’s offense never found its rhythm under its usual dynamic duo of Shrader and Tucker. The Orange only totaled 184 yards of offense, while Louisville finished with 382 yards. Syracuse’s 46 passing yards was the lowest mark of the season.
Worst ejection
Syracuse lost its defensive anchor in Mikel Jones midway through the second quarter due to a targeting penalty. Jones appeared to lead with his helmet when tackling Louisville wide receiver Marshon Ford. Jones totaled three tackles, including a sack on Malik Cunningham before the disqualification. Since the play happened in the second quarter, Jones will not face a suspension and will be able to start in next week’s game at North Carolina State.
Up next
Still searching for a sixth win to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2018, the Orange will face North Carolina State next Saturday for its final road game of the season. If Syracuse is unable to win that game, its final chance to reach six wins will be in the season finale against Pittsburgh at the Carrier Dome on Nov. 27.
Contact Mike Curtis anytime: Email | Twitter
MORE ORANGE FOOTBALL
Syracuse will have another offensive line shakeup at Louisville (live score, updates)
Coach MacPherson’s new defensive scheme corrals Doug Flutie in 1981. Or was it the new orange pants?
Syracuse football vs. Louisville: TV channel, time, how to watch live stream (11/13/2021)
Syracuse-Louisville football betting line: Orange will be seeking fourth upset win to become bowl eligible
Garrett Shrader: Might have to pull something out of my bag of tricks with Lamar Jackson watching
ORANGE FOOTBALL FANS
Sideline gear | Season schedule | Stream games on fuboTV, Sling, Hulu + Live TV