Louisville Football: What does Lamar Jackson still have to prove?

He needs to win big

Lamar Jackson has led Louisville to a 15-7 record in games where he’s the leader in passing plays. He gives the Cards their best chance to win every week. Regardless, he doesn’t champion a signature win. Yes, he has a bowl win under his belt and a 68.1 win percentage, but he hasn’t beaten top teams consistently.

Florida State was ranked No. 2 when the Cards romped past the Seminoles 63-20, but the ‘Noles weren’t worthy of that ranking as noted by their 10-3 final record.

Now, before all Cardinals’ fans attack me, he’s performed admirably in big games. Jackson can play well on every stage, but he fell short on multiple occasions this year. Against Houston, Kentucky and LSU, he completed just 46-of-105 passes for 645 yards, three touchdowns against three interceptions.

Moreover, he rushed 51 times for 66 in yards in two of those losses. Houston and LSU buried Jackson by keeping him inside the pocket. Louisville started the season with a 9-1 sizzle but ended it with an 0-3 simmer. Jackson showed his brilliance against the national champions and Florida State compiling 819 total yards and eight total touchdowns, but he didn’t do that on a consistent basis.

As the old adage goes, if you’re the quarterback you get all the praise and all the blame. As unfair as that is, Jackson was part of the reason for losing some of those games. He has to prove he can beat great teams, especially with his arm, consistently.