No one expected the University of Louisville football team’s first conference game to be easy so they would not be disappointed. Lots of drama and suspense, surprising calls, plenty of penalties. The kind of game that helps get a team ready for what will be challenging conference gauntlet.
A crowd of 50,727 enduring the sweltering heat on the third weekend in September, the temperature reportedly reaching 137 degrees on the artificial turf at L&N Stadium.
The Cardinals would be credited with only 326 yards offensively but there seemed to be many more. That’s because UofL had at least three plays called back that would have raised the yardage to around 400 for the day. Seven penalties for 69 yards. But that’s the way the whistle works some games, seemingly without any rhyme or reason. Phantom time outs, mystery calls, Georgia Tech, meanwhile, racking up 410 yards.
What was critical, though, is that UofL was able to overcome adversity, refusing to be discouraged, no wilting or rolling over. Louisville would emerge with a 31-19 victory over Georgia Tech to improve its record to 3-0 for the season. The Yellow Jackets jumping out to an early lead in the first quarter on a 23-yard touchdown by quarterback Haynes King. Louisville would strike back on a fumble recovery and touchdown by Ramon Puryear for a 7-7 tie after the first 15 minutes.
Quarterback Tyler Shough continued to provide most of the offense UofL needed in this one, passing for 269 yards and two touchdowns on just 19 passing attempts. The most memorable pass play a 57-yard completion to wide receiver Corey Brooks for a touchdown after being jarred by a Georgia Tech defender.
Not to be outdone, however, was Tayon Holloway returning a blocked field goal for a 55-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that all but sealed the win for the Cardinals. It couldn’t have happened at a better time. Game was all but over.
“We were definitely tested in a back-and-forth game with a lot momentum swings,” said Coach Jeff Brohm. “We hung in there like we were able to do at some points last year, play to the end, keep our confidence, keep our fight and not give in. We found a way to make more plays. The defense wasn’t perfect, but they made some big fourth down stops and, of course, the huge turnover. The special teams gave us the advantage that was the key.
“A huge, blocked punt for a touchdown really won the game and closed it for us. Then the offense couldn’t run the ball really well but made a few plays here and there. It was a tough conference game, and we found a way to win.”
