Defense Stands Tall Late as Cards Down Syracuse, 34-26

Saturday, October 17

Syracuse, NY

7:30 p.m.

University of Louisville

4-3 , 3-2

Syracuse

2-4 , 0-4

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Louisville	14	14	0	6	34
Syracuse	10	13	0	3	26

Cards' Defense Celebrates Against Syracuse

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Defense Stands Tall Late as Cards Down Syracuse, 34-26

October 18, 2026 | Football

Box Score PDF Box Score Postgame Notes Jeff Brohm Postgame Presser Lincoln Kienholz Postgame Presser Keyjuan Brown Postgame Presser Tyler Thompson Postgame Presser Photo Gallery

By: Zach Zsido

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The University of Louisville football team got strong contributions on both sides of the ball to defeat Syracuse, 34-26, on Saturday evening at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y.

Louisville (4-3, 3-2 ACC) totaled 425 yards offensively behind a big first half against the Syracuse (2-4, 0-4 ACC) defense. The Cards' defense racked up five sacks and grabbed a pair of interceptions to help slow down the Orange offense.

Lincoln Kienholz completed 14 passes on 26 attempts for 310 yards while connecting with Isaac Brown for a 46-yard touchdown through the air with 28 seconds left in the first half. The senior quarterback also led UofL on the ground with 53 yards and added a pair of scores, including an explosive 82-yard touchdown late in the first quarter.

Demeco Kennedy topped the Louisville defense with nine total tackles while Clev Lubin and Jabari Mack added eight apiece. Tyler Thompson put the pressure on the quarterback all night long, securing three tackles-for-loss with a pair of sacks. Kaleb Beasley and Cam White each picked up an interception.

Louisville Head Coach Jeff Brohm said:

"Well, we're proud of our team. We showed grit, toughness, and found a way to win. Kind of a tale of two halves. I thought the first half our defense was not playing well, and they gave up a lot of easy plays, and then they got together and got some confidence. Flip side, their offense kept us in the game. We had some big plays again and some scores and found a way to get a lead at half. So, that was big. Then, the second half, kind of totally different. Offense was stagnant and stale and couldn't make plays. While they moved the ball, we got some really good turnover and found ways to knock the ball out and get the ball back. Then, we found ways to tighten things up at the end. So, just a good team win. A lot of things to worm on and improve and get better, but I was proud that we stuck together and played until the end."

How It Happened

First Quarter
11:49 – SYR – Shay Barker knocks in a 26-yard field goal. 5 plays, 66 yards, 2:08. Louisville 0, Syracuse 3
08:40 – SYR – Malachi Nelson connects with Umari Hatcher for a 41-yard touchdown. 3 plays, 43 yards, 0:44. Louisville 0, Syracuse 10
06:01 – LOU – Keyjuan Brown punches it in for a 5-yard touchdown. 5 plays, 89 yards, 2:34. Louisville 7, Syracuse 10
02:19 – LOU – Lincoln Kienholz explodes for an 82-yard touchdown. 3 plays, 90 yards, 1:10. Louisville 14, Syracuse 10

Second Quarter
14:55 – SYR – Calvin Russell III catches a 24-yard touchdown from Malachi Nelson. 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:24. Louisville 14, Syracuse 16
09:29 – LOU – Lincoln Kienholz rushes in for a 1-yard touchdown. 10 plays, 94 yards, 5:20. Louisville 21, Syracuse 16
02:55 – SYR – Ahmad Miller runs it up the middle for a 20-yard touchdown. 15 plays, 88 yards, 6:34. Louisville 21, Syracuse 23
00:28 – LOU – Lincoln Kienholz finds Isaac Brown for a 46-yard touchdown. 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:27. Louisville 28, Syracuse 23

Fourth Quarter
12:45 – SYR – Shay Barker kicks a 24-yard field goal. 9 plays, 47 yards, 2:59. Louisville 28, Syracuse 26
07:34 – LOU – Keyjuan Brown rushes left for a 5-yard touchdown. 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:42. Louisville 34, Syracuse 26

Up Next

The Cards will have a bye week before hosting Stanford on Saturday, Oct. 31 at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Kickoff time and television network have yet to be announced.