Big East Recap: Friday Night Lights

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON

Despite being out-gained and allowing 351 yards through the air, Louisville was able to pull out a 35-28 victory at Memphis. With a combination of great play calling and a strong-arm quarterback Arkelon Hall the Tigers were able to throw for 350 yards and two touchdowns. Hall led his offense to six drives of over 50 yards but failed to score on three of those possessions. Special teams and key turnovers were the difference in this game.

Louisville wide receiver Trent Guy responded after a Memphis score with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Guy, who is three months removed from recovering from a gunshot wound, also caught a 43-yard touchdown pass. Louisville quarterback Hunter Cantwell threw for only 133 yards, but did connect on two critical touchdowns.

Cardinals’ cornerback Johnny Patrick was the difference maker on the defensive side of the ball coming up with two huge plays. Right as the half was about to end, the sophomore blocked a field goal, which Brandon Heath picked up for 60-yard touchdown. Then with the score knotted up at 28 early in the forth quarter Louisville defensive end Rodney Gnat knocked the ball loose after a big hit on a sack and Patrick was able to pick up the fumble and take it 21 yards the other way for the game-winning touchdown. After a devastating loss to Connecticut, Louisville bounced back.

The Cardinals will play their final non-conference game against Middle Tennessee State next Saturday.