Big plays late push No. 23 Louisville past No. 16 SMU, 41-31

Louisville's Keyjuan Brown had a stellar game, rushing for a career-high 163 yards and scoring two long touchdowns to lead the Cardinals to a thrilling 41-31 victory over 16th-ranked SMU. The teams, both preseason picks to finish in the top three of the Atlantic Coast Conference, engaged in a closely contested match, trading leads eight times before Louisville ultimately secured the win.

Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz threw for 177 yards on 14-of-23 passing, adding two more scores and a rushing touchdown as the Cardinals amassed 442 yards of offense. SMU's Isaac Brown rushed for 197 yards, scoring a career-best three times, including a 12-yard touchdown run that gave SMU a 31-28 lead with 11:33 left in the third quarter.

However, Louisville's defense proved too strong, holding SMU to a single touchdown and two field goals. Louisville's defensive stand also forced SMU into two turnovers, preventing them from converting on fourth down twice. SMU, while having 479 total yards, made critical errors that cost them dearly, including three turnovers. Louisville, despite their running game not being as impressive in their first two games, finally showcased the big-play explosiveness seen in recent seasons with Keyjuan Brown's three long scores.

The Cardinals' victory marks their fifth win over a ranked opponent in four seasons under head coach Jeff Brohm. Looking ahead, SMU will face Missouri State next Saturday, while Louisville will host Wake Forest in a rematch.