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Louisville vs Syracuse recap: 3 things that we learned

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 9, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates his touchdown run with teammates against the Syracuse Orange during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates his touchdown run with teammates against the Syracuse Orange during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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What three things did we learn from Friday night’s Louisville vs Syracuse matchup at the Carrier Dome?

Louisville opened the year with a 70-14 thumping of Charlotte and it seemed like the Cardinals would be on upset alert in week two against Syracuse on the road. The Orange posed a bit of a threat, but the No. 13 Cardinals were just far too tough.

Taking a 28-7 lead after the first quarter, it was evident that Lamar Jackson and the Cardinals’ offense wasn’t playing games. He passed for over 200 yards early on and made the tough passes look routine.

Through the first half, he had nearly 500 total yards of offense and Jackson looked to be one of the true stars of college football. Syracuse put a little run together, but couldn’t get any closer than that. The final score was not at all deceiving as the Cardinals won easily, 62-28.

1. Lamar Jackson is a serious Heisman threat

While he didn’t have the most accurate game, completing 20-of-39 passes, Jackson is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the nation. He doesn’t get nearly enough love playing for Louisville as he should.

The sophomore from Boynton Beach, Fla., jumped into the Heisman conversation Friday night with a heck of a performance. He finished with the most yardage by a single player in ACC history, passing for 411 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 199 yards and four scores.

Give this kid the September Heisman.

Related Story: 50 best college football player of 2016

2. Louisville shouldn’t be overlooked in the ACC race

After handling Syracuse with relative ease in the second week of the year after putting up 70 points in the season opener, the Cardinals should not be overlooked. While everyone talks about the title race going down to either Florida State or Clemson, Louisville has become a serious threat to take home the conference crown.

3. Florida State vs. Louisville could be Week 3’s best game

Heading into a week three matchup with third-ranked Florida State, the Louisville Cardinals have to feel pretty good about their chances. Hosting the Seminoles, Louisville might pull off the biggest upset of the year.

If Jackson plays the way he did against the Orange, although FSU’s defense is far superior than Syracuse’s, the Seminoles will be on upset alert. However, it’s possible both teams will be in the top 10. This might just be the best game of week three.

Highlights

Will the Cardinals remain one of the hottest teams in college football in third week of the season against No. 3 Florida State? That’s going to be one heck of a game.

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