Dominant Home Opener Victory
No. 24 Louisville Routs Villanova 59-13 Behind Lincoln Kienholz
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Key Points
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Villanova, ranked No. 18 in the FCS coaches’ poll, stayed competitive early and trailed Louisville 17-10 shortly after the start of the second quarter before the Cardinals’ size and speed took over.
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Villanova quarterback Pat McQuaide completed 18 of 31 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown, but completed only four of his final 14 attempts as Louisville’s defense tightened.
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Louisville scored six touchdowns on seven trips to the red zone, according to coach Jeff Brohm’s postgame account, illustrating the offense’s efficiency in addition to its 635 total yards.
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Brohm praised the opportunity to play his full roster, saying, “It was good to see a lot of people play and get in the game,” and credited the home crowd for being “ready” and “into the game.”
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The game also featured Louisville’s salute to service members on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, along with post-touchdown fireworks and a new in-stadium LED light show.
No. 24 Louisville dominated Villanova 59-13 in its home opener, racking up 635 total yards and scoring eight touchdowns to secure its first win of the season 247sports. Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz completed 16 of 21 passes for 332 yards and two touchdowns while adding 42 rushing yards and two more scores, becoming the first Louisville quarterback to record back-to-back 300-yard passing games in his first two starts thescore.
Kienholz Shines in Second Career Start
Lincoln Kienholz delivered an explosive performance against an FCS opponent, showcasing both his arm and legs. The young quarterback spread the ball across multiple receivers. Lawayne McCoy hauled in three passes for 102 yards and a touchdown, including a highlight 61-yard scoring reception louisvillecardinal. Tre Richardson and Jaleel Skinner also contributed significantly to the offense's balanced attack.
Kienholz's efficiency stood out despite leaving after three quarters. He completed over 76 percent of his passes and avoided mistakes against a ranked FCS defense 247sports. His ability to create on the ground added a second dimension to Louisville's attack, keeping Villanova's defense from teeing off on the passing game.
Louisville's Offense Overwhelms Villanova Defense
The Cardinals' offensive dominance showed up on the scoreboard and the stat sheet. Louisville scored six touchdowns on seven red-zone trips, according to Coach Jeff Brohm si, demonstrating near-perfect efficiency near the goal line. The team amassed 635 total yards while holding Villanova to just 253 yards and forcing the Wildcats to complete only 18 of 31 passes.
Villanova's Pat McQuaide managed 166 passing yards and one touchdown, but Louisville's defense stiffened as the game progressed. McQuaide completed just four of his final 14 attempts as the Cardinals' size and speed advantage became impossible to overcome 247sports. After trailing 17-10 early in the second quarter, Louisville scored at will.
Penalties Linger Despite Lopsided Victory
Louisville's dominant win came with a defensive downside: seven penalties for 90 yards, including five 15-yard infractions 247sports. The Cardinals also surrendered a 65-yard touchdown pass, showing they're still vulnerable to big plays despite their overall superiority. These lapses could become costly against stronger ACC competition.
Cardinals Prepare for SMU Test in ACC Opener
Louisville's next challenge arrives quickly: No. 17 SMU visits L&N Stadium on Sept. 19 for the team's ACC conference opener louisvillecardinal. The Mustangs represent a significant step up from Villanova, offering a chance for the Cardinals to prove their explosive offense translates against Power Four competition. Coach Jeff Brohm praised his team's depth, saying "it was good to see a lot of people play and get in the game," suggesting the squad's roster is ready for a demanding conference schedule 247sports.
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