Tyler Shough passed for 349 yards and two touchdowns as No. 22 Louisville won easily 49-14 against Jacksonville State on Saturday.
This was the sixth time in his career that Shough, in his seventh year, had thrown for over 300 yards in a game. He completed 21 out of 33 passes, sealing the game with a 48-yard touchdown pass to Chris Bell that put the Cardinals (2-0) ahead 35-14 with 8:58 remaining in the third quarter.
He threw another touchdown in the fourth quarter before being taken out of the game. So far this season, Louisville has outscored their opponents 111-14.
Louisville’s win was also boosted by a strong running game, with the team rushing for 233 yards. Five different running backs scored, with four of them scoring in the first half.
Coach Jeff Brohm said his offense played effectively throughout the game. Louisville accumulated 610 yards, marking the second time in Brohm’s tenure at Louisville that the team has gained more than 600 yards in a game.
The offense was successful on 9 of 13 third downs, allowing them to control the game for 36:23. This included over 19 minutes of possession time in the second half.
“In the second half, we made adjustments, we came out, we played efficient football,” Brohm said. “We didn’t give up any points on defense, played much better. Of course, when we’re finishing on offense and increasing the lead, it makes (the opponent) do some things they don’t want to do.”
The big win allowed the Cardinals to give many of their skill players some playing time. Shough’s 21 passes were completed to 11 different receivers, and six running backs had carries.
“I feel really confident in what we can do in spreading the ball around,” Shough said. “So, I think with the ability that we have on offense, and the talent, the playmaking ability and the play calling, we can get into whatever we need to do to get the job done.”
