LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – A lot of times, a team loses a game the way the University of Louisville lost last week at Stanford, you can write it off. Turn out the lights, the party’s over. It was fun while it lasted.
But on Saturday in L&N Stadium, Louisville threw one last bash (for this season) for old time’s sake.
The Cards took care of business at home.
Instead of mailing it in, Louisville delivered a resilient message. Its self-inflicted loss at Stanford will not be the last word on its 2024 season. Louisville took care of business against Pittsburgh, leaving little room for drama in a 37-9 victory over the Panthers in front of a Senior Day crowd of 49,441.
While it was a day to honor Louisville’s seniors, a sophomore was the star of the day. Stanquan Clark has been the team’s most consistent defensive player all season. The linebacker from Miami led the team in unassisted tackles with 36 coming, and collected three more solo tackles, and seven solo, as well as a pair of interceptions.
Stanquan Clark hauls in his second interception during Louisville's victory over Pitt in L&N Stadium.
He stepped in to intercept Pitt starting quarterback Eli Holstein in the end zone to snuff out an impressive opening drive for the Panthers. Louisville drove for a field goal on its ensuing drive, then scored touchdowns on its next two to take control 17-0.
Pittsburgh struggled offensively after Holstein suffered a leg fracture from an Ashton Gillotte sack. Both Nate Yarnell and David Lynch played in relief, but Louisville was already pulling away. Louisville wound up intercepting all three quarterbacks in the game.
Tyler Shough connected on 16 of 27 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns. Chris Bell had a pair of catches for 101 yards and a score. Ja’Corey Brooks had four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.
Louisville running back Isaac Brown carries in the first half of Louisville's win over Pittsburgh in L&N Stadium.
Clark’s second interception came late in the second half, after Louisville had failed to score on four tries from point-blank range. His pick at the 15-yard line was followed by a TD run from Isaac Brown that put Louisville up 24-0.
Brown finished with 13 carries for 93 yards and two scores.
Louisville led 27-0 at the half, then scored on its third play on the second half, a quick sideline pass to Bell that he broke open for a 68-yard touchdown. That made it 34-0, and the rest was just passing time.
Louisville improves to 7-4 on the season, 5-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Cardinals will finish the regular season with their annual rivalry matchup against Kentucky. The Wildcats (4-7) lost to No. 3 Texas 31-14 on Saturday to fall out of bowl contention. Kickoff is set for noon at Kroger Field in Lexington.
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