Micale Cunningham’s on the job training is coming along just fine, thank you. The University of Louisville quarterback is becoming quite comfortable throwing the football to complement his running game. Keeping opposing defenses guessing, what’s coming next.
The redshirt sophomore just keeps getting better, throwing for five touchdowns and rushing for still another in Louisville’s 56-34 win over Syracuse in the team’s final home game at Cardinal Stadium. In a span of 11 games, he has evolved from a backup quarterback to making the position look easy.
His best pass play on Saturday one of marvelous missiles catching Tutu Atwell in full stride for a 90-yard touchdown. He would get UofL in the end zone on a seven-yard pass to Marshon Ford, a 29-yarder to Seth Dawkins, a 28-yarder to Jordan Davis, and a 14-yarder to Atwell.
Making much of his possible was Cunningham’s freshman teammate Javian Hawkins, having the best game of his college career. The Louisville freshman rushed for an incredible 236 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown. Averaging over 10 yards per carry to surpass the freshman record posted by Victor Anderson.
Another one of those games that could have been decided in the final seconds. The UofL offense was good for a total of 608 yards, including 370 on the ground. They would need every single yard because Syracuse was accumulating a total of 561 yards, including 261 yards rushing.
The much-maligned UofL defense deserves much credit for avoiding the last minute drama. The Orange posed a serious threat in the final two minutes, starting a first-and-goal on UofL’s three-yard line. Six plays later they would give the football back to Louisville on the 18-yard line.
Never a dull moment for UofL football.
Gallery courtesy of Mike DeZarn:
