Top Moments in Louisville Cardinals Football History

5. Beating Memphis State (1990) In front of the largest crowd in Cardinal Stadium history, Louisville holds on to defeat Memphis State, 19-17, when sophomore — athlonsports.com

The Louisville Cardinals football program boasts a history of thrilling victories and unexpected upsets. Here are a few of their most memorable games:

-1950 Heisman Tie: In a game forever etched in college football history, Louisville battled the heavily favored and undefeated Miami (FL) Hurricanes to a 13-13 draw. Notably, a fumble recovery by Lee Corso, Louisville's future head coach and ESPN personality, led to the tying touchdown.

-2006 Shutout of West Virginia: This resounding 41-0 victory over West Virginia, then ranked number 6 in the nation, marked a significant upset and solidified Louisville's presence as a rising power in the Big East Conference.

-2012 Sugar Bowl Victory: The Cardinals reached a pinnacle moment with a thrilling 33-24 win over the Florida Gators in the 2012 Sugar Bowl. This victory capped off a perfect 12-0 season and cemented head coach Charlie Strong's legacy.

-The Lamar Jackson Show: 2016 & 2017 (multiple games): Quarterback Lamar Jackson's electrifying playmaking ability led to a string of unforgettable games. Victories over Clemson in 2016 and Florida State in 2017 stand out, showcasing Jackson's Heisman-caliber talent and Louisville's offensive dominance.

-In a thrilling upset for the 2023 college football season, the #25 ranked Louisville Cardinals stunned the #10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a high-scoring affair at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Led by running back Jeremy Brown's 143 yards and 2 touchdowns, the Cardinals' offense put on a dominant display. Despite an early Notre Dame lead, Louisville's defense tightened up, shutting down the Irish offense in the second half. The 33-20 victory secured Louisville's biggest win over a ranked opponent in a decade and extended their overall winning streak to seven games.