Cardinals' Flight Grounded by Trojans at Petco Park in Week 18 Showdown

The Louisville Cardinals, with a record of 10-4, faced off against the USC Trojans, who held an 8-5 record before the game. In a contest that saw both teams put forth a strong effort, the final score read 42-28 in favor of the home team.

The Cardinals showcased their rushing prowess as they accumulated a total of 220 yards on the ground over 45 attempts, averaging five yards per carry and securing four touchdowns. The longest rush was an impressive 32-yard dash through the Trojans' defense. Louisville's red zone efficiency stood out with an impressive success rate of 80 percent across five attempts and a perfect conversion rate on all four goal-to-go situations.

Louisville's passing game was also noteworthy; despite not contributing to touchdowns, it featured high completion rates with quarterback connecting on 21 out of his 25 passes for a total of 141 yards. The offense managed to gain first downs through passing plays four times during the match.

On special teams, Louisville executed five kickoffs covering a distance of 292 yards and successfully made two touchbacks. Their return game added up to significant yardage as well; kick returns totaled at seven for an average gain of nineteen yards per return.

Defensively, however, it was not Louisville's strongest showing. They were unable to register any sacks or quarterback hits throughout the game but did manage one interception that they returned for sixty-one yards. The defense also defended four passes and recorded three tackles for loss totaling six negative yards against USC.

Penalties were relatively low with only four infractions costing them forty-four yards and granting one first down to USC due to penalties. Unfortunately for Louisville fans, turnovers proved costly as two fumbles lost could have shifted momentum in critical moments.

As we look ahead after this week eighteen encounter at Petco Park in San Diego witnessed by thirty-five thousand three hundred seventeen attendees on December twenty-seventh at eight PM Eastern Time (ET), fans can tune into future broadcasts featuring the Cardinals as they continue their season efforts into next year's matchups.