GAME RECAP | SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
Louisville defeated No. 16 SMU 41-31 on September 19, using explosive rushing touchdowns to settle a game that repeatedly changed hands.
Keyjuan Brown scored from 58 yards early in the third quarter and from 53 yards with 10:02 left in the fourth. His second touchdown put Louisville ahead 35-31. Isaac Brown then added a 27-yard scoring run to extend the lead to ten.
The Cardinals rushed for 265 yards. Lincoln Kienholz completed 14 of 23 passes for 177 yards, while Kaleb Beasley led the defense with ten tackles and two interceptions. Beasley's second interception closed the door during the final two minutes.
CFN TAKEAWAY
Louisville's long runs provided immediate answers when SMU threatened to take command. The late takeaway then gave the Cardinals the finish they needed after an afternoon of lead changes.
