Updated 3:13 p.m. ET: Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had a great game against Syracuse, throwing for 424 yards and three touchdowns, but the Orange’s 45-26 win over the No. 11 Cardinals today was all on Louisville’s defense. Louisville allowed 524 yards to the ‘Cuse, but it was allowing big plays that ultimately decided this game.
The loss puts Louisville at 9-1 on the season and 4-1 in the Big East, behind Rutgers. The Cardinals will have a chance to rebound against UConn next week before the season-ending game against the Scarlet Knights that could still very well decide which team will go to a BCS bowl.
Syracuse (5-5 overall, 4-2 Big East) is one game away from bowl eligibility. The Orange has an out-of-conference game against Missouri next week before finishing the season at Temple.
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Ranked just outside the AP top 10, undefeated Louisville would need help and help and more help to even think about sniffing a BCS championship appearance.
Or, Syracuse might take care of that problem altogether. The Orange lead the Cardinals 31-13 at the half.
Louisville was able to drive the field and kick a field goal right before halftime, but other than that, it’s been all big plays by the ‘Cuse. Receiver Alec Lemon already has over 100 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns.
The Cardinals are good enough to overcome this, but Syracuse is playing a lot like it did a year ago in a blowout win against West Virginia. If the ‘Cuse can hang on, it would put Louisville a half game back from Rutgers atop the Big East standings. The Scarlet Knights are playing -- and currently tied with -- Army today.