Louisville football: 3 takeaways from nail-biting win over Virginia

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Nov 9, 2023; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals running back Isaac Guerendo (23) runs the ball against Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Paul Akere (1) during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Cardinals almost got caught looking ahead

This was one of those classic “looking ahead” games that all contenders have each season. The Cardinals were facing a conference bottom-dweller at home near the end of a successful season and it was safe to assume that they were going to win.

So after building a 14-0 lead heading into halftime, you could almost feel the Cardinals take their foot off the gas a bit with the hopes of cruising to an easy, stress-free win with only two more wins standing between this team and an ACC title game appearance.

Virginia had other plans.

The Cavaliers put together a 21-0 run in the third quarter and really made Louisville work for this win at home. The Cardinals probably had no idea that this game would be in doubt at any point, let alone in the fourth quarter. But you have to give credit to Virginia for playing hard and nearly pulling off the improbable, playoff race-altering upset.

This game just goes to show that teams can’t get caught looking ahead, no matter the opponent.

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