Louisville Cardinals Triumph Over Washington Huskies in Sun Bowl Thriller
LOUISVILLE VS WASHINGTON; The Louisville Cardinals and Washington Huskies delivered an exciting showdown in the 2024 Sun Bowl, played on December 31 at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas. Both teams fought hard, but Louisville emerged victorious with a 23-17 win, ending their season on a high note under head coach Jeff Brohm.
Quarter-by-Quarter Recap ;LOUISVILLE VS WASHINGTON
First Quarter
Louisville came out strong, with quarterback Jack Plummer showcasing his passing prowess early.
- Touchdown: Plummer connected with wide receiver Tyler Hudson on a perfectly executed 45-yard pass, putting the Cardinals up 7-0.
- Washington Response: The Huskies answered with a 52-yard field goal by kicker Peyton Henry, narrowing the lead to 7-3.
Second Quarter
Washington’s offense gained momentum, leaning on their running game.louisville vs washington
- Huskies Take the Lead: Running back Cameron Davis powered through Louisville’s defense for a 12-yard rushing touchdown, making it 10-7.
- Louisville Equalizes: The Cardinals relied on kicker James Turner, who nailed a 38-yard field goal, tying the game at 10-10 heading into halftime.
Third Quarter
The Huskies capitalized on a key turnover.
- Momentum Shift: Washington’s defense intercepted Plummer, setting up a short field. Quarterback Dylan Morris capped off the drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, giving Washington a 17-10 lead.
- Louisville Responds: The Cardinals clawed back with another field goal from Turner, this time from 22 yards out, reducing the deficit to 17-13.
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter showcased Louisville’s resilience and determination.
- Cardinals Regain Control: Running back Jalen Mitchell broke through for a 7-yard touchdown run, putting Louisville ahead 20-17.
- Defensive Stand: Louisville’s defense held firm, preventing Washington from gaining any significant momentum.
- Sealing the Victory: James Turner added a clutch 30-yard field goal in the final minutes, securing a 23-17 victory for the Cardinals.
Key Performances
Louisville Cardinals
- Jack Plummer: The senior quarterback threw for 275 yards, completing 18 of 28 attempts with one touchdown and one interception.
- Jalen Mitchell: The star running back rushed for 110 yards on 22 carries and scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
- Tyler Hudson: Louisville’s leading receiver had six catches for 120 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown reception.
- James Turner: The kicker was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals, providing crucial points.
Washington Huskies
- Dylan Morris: The quarterback completed 20 of 35 passes for 240 yards and added a rushing touchdown.
- Cameron Davis: The Huskies’ running back rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
- Rome Odunze: Washington’s top receiver contributed seven receptions for 85 yards.
Game Impact and Analysis
Louisville’s Season
The victory marked Louisville’s ninth win of the season, capping an impressive campaign for head coach Jeff Brohm in his first year with the team. The Cardinals’ balanced offense and strong defensive efforts were instrumental throughout the year.
Washington’s Season
The Huskies ended their season with a 7-6 record, a disappointing conclusion for a team that had shown flashes of brilliance. Injuries and inconsistent play proved to be challenges they could not fully overcome.
Turning Points
- The interception thrown by Plummer in the third quarter briefly shifted momentum to Washington, but Louisville’s defense responded with critical stops.
- Jalen Mitchell’s fourth-quarter touchdown run was the game’s defining moment, showcasing the Cardinals’ grit under pressure.
Looking Ahead
For Louisville, this win serves as a building block for the future, with several key players expected to return next season. The team will aim to leverage this momentum to contend for an ACC title in 2025.
Washington, meanwhile, will reflect on missed opportunities and focus on addressing key areas of improvement in the offseason, including bolstering their defensive line and improving offensive consistency.
Final Score: Louisville 23, Washington 17.
The Sun Bowl lived up to its reputation as one of college football’s most exciting postseason games, providing fans with a thrilling contest to end the year.
