The Louisville Cardinals closed out their regular season with a statement - and a shutout. A 41-0 demolition of in-state rival Kentucky in the Governor’s Cup wasn’t just a feel-good win to cap the year; it was a performance that sent shockwaves through the national rankings and reminded everyone that this team, when it’s clicking, can go toe-to-toe with just about anyone.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a full-strength Louisville squad. Several key offensive contributors were sidelined with injuries, but that didn’t stop the Cardinals from piling up 440 yards of total offense.
The defense, meanwhile, turned in its most dominant showing of the season, holding Kentucky to a mere 140 yards - a number that barely registers in today’s high-octane game. That kind of defensive effort doesn’t just win games; it defines a team’s identity.
Now at 8-4, Louisville awaits its bowl destination. But while we wait for the postseason puzzle to come together, let’s take a deeper dive into the numbers that shaped the Cardinals’ season - and what they tell us about where this program stands heading into bowl season.
Offensive Snapshot: Flashes of Firepower, Searching for Consistency
Points per game: 30.2 (46th nationally)
Total offense: 388.8 yards/game (71st)
Yards per play: 5.99 (41st)
Yards per rush: 5.07 (24th)
Yards per pass: 6.9 (85th)
Passer rating: 130.67 (79th)
Sacks allowed per game: 1.92 (76th)
TFL allowed per game: 5.33 (67th)
Third down conversion: 36.94% (95th)
Red zone scoring: 92.11% (13th)
Red zone TD rate: 60.53% (78th)
Time of possession: 30:22 (56th)
First downs per game: 19.6 (85th)
The numbers paint a clear picture: Louisville’s offense had moments of real promise, especially on the ground. Ranking 24th in yards per rush is no small feat, and it speaks to a run game that could lean on physicality and efficiency. But the passing game lagged behind - 85th in yards per attempt and 79th in passer rating - and third down struggles (95th nationally) often stalled momentum.
Still, a top-15 red zone scoring percentage shows this group knew how to finish drives. The problem was getting there consistently. Injuries certainly played a role, but the inconsistency week to week kept this offense from being as explosive as it could’ve been.
Defensive Dominance: A Top-25 Unit Across the Board
Points allowed per game: 21.1 (31st nationally)
Total defense: 300.3 yards/game (15th)
Yards per play allowed: 4.69 (14th)
Yards per rush: 3.40 (21st)
Yards per pass: 6.0 (12th)
Pass efficiency defense: 114.27 (23rd)
Sacks per game: 2.25 (52nd)
TFL per game: 5.58 (59th)
Third down defense: 33.33% (21st)
Red zone defense: 83.87% (67th)
Red zone TD rate: 58.06% (51st)
First downs allowed per game: 16.7 (19th)
Total interceptions: 14 (13th)
This defense didn’t just hold its own - it led the way. Top-15 in total defense and yards per play allowed, this unit was the backbone of the Cardinals’ success. They were stingy against the pass, disciplined against the run, and opportunistic in the secondary, finishing 13th in the country in interceptions.
While the sack and TFL numbers were solid but not elite, Louisville made up for it with sound fundamentals and smart situational football. The third-down defense ranked 21st nationally, a testament to the unit’s ability to get off the field and flip momentum.
And if you’re wondering how they blanked Kentucky? Look no further than this group’s ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage and take away the big play.
Special Teams & Miscellaneous: Some Highs, Some Head-Scratchers
Penalties per game: 7.0 (104th nationally)
Turnover margin per game: +0.25 (47th)
Plays of 20+ yards: 54 (57th)
Punting average: 38.92 yards (132nd)
Punt return average: 18.08 yards (5th)
Kickoff average: 64.17 yards (13th)
Kickoff return average: 22.69 yards (35th)
Field goal percentage: 82.1% (43rd)
Special teams were a mixed bag. On one hand, the return game was electric - top five in punt return average and top 15 in kickoff distance.
That kind of field position boost is invaluable. On the other hand, the punting game struggled mightily, ranking near the bottom nationally.
Penalties were another issue, with the Cardinals averaging seven flags per game. That’s the kind of self-inflicted wound that can derail drives or extend opponents’ possessions. It’s an area that’ll need to be cleaned up before bowl season.
National Standouts: Individual Stars Shine Bright
- QB Miller Moss averaged 229.6 passing yards per game (46th nationally) and posted a 132.71 passer rating (78th). Solid numbers, but there’s room for growth in efficiency and downfield production.
- WR Chris Bell emerged as a go-to weapon. His 83.7 receiving yards per game ranked 17th in the country, and he cracked the top 10 in both catches per game (6.5) and total receptions (72). Bell was a steady, reliable target who moved the chains and made big plays.
- RB Keyjuan Brown was one of the most efficient backs in the nation, averaging 7.31 yards per carry - good for 8th nationally. That kind of production doesn’t happen without vision, burst, and a strong offensive line.
- PR Caullin Lacy made a national splash with 20.0 yards per punt return, ranking 3rd in the country. Add in his 105.3 all-purpose yards per game (38th), and it’s clear Lacy was a weapon in space all season long.
What’s Next?
With the regular season in the books, Louisville’s bowl fate will soon be revealed. But regardless of where they land, this team has already laid a strong foundation. The defense is elite, the offense has pieces that can explode, and the special teams can flip the field in a heartbeat.
If the Cardinals can get healthy and clean up the inconsistencies, they’ll be a tough out for whoever draws them next. And looking ahead, the building blocks are there for something even bigger in 2026.