No. 23 Louisville found the difference maker it needed in Keyjuan Brown. His career best 163 rushing yards and two long touchdowns carried the Cardinals through a tense second half and into a 41 to 31 victory over No. 16 SMU.
Brown changes the geometry
SMU had to respect every Louisville formation because Brown could turn one crease into six points. He needed only 10 carries to reach 163 yards, a remarkable average that changed field position and forced the Mustangs to defend the entire width of the field.
Lincoln Kienholz complemented that threat by throwing for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Lawayne McCoy caught four passes for 62 yards and a score. Louisville scored 27 points after halftime, including 13 in the fourth quarter, to separate after a close opening half.
SMU had its own rushing star
Kendrick Raphael was outstanding in defeat. He carried 24 times for 197 yards and three touchdowns, repeatedly giving SMU a direct answer. Kevin Jennings threw for 222 yards and a touchdown, but his two interceptions helped tilt the possession battle toward Louisville.
The game was less about one team stopping the run than about which offense could create the cleaner explosive plays at the decisive moments. Louisville did. Brown provided the sudden strikes, while the Cardinals made enough defensive plays late to protect the lead.
In a matchup between ranked conference opponents, Louisville showed it can win a game that changes shape repeatedly. SMU brought production and pressure. The Cardinals answered with speed, resilience, and the most dangerous player on the field.