The Louisville Cardinals football vs Washington Huskies football match player stats from the 2024 Sun Bowl paint a vivid picture of a thrilling, down-to-the-wire contest. On December 31, 2024, at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, Louisville edged out Washington 35-34 in a game that showcased standout performances, clutch plays, and a dramatic finish. Dive into the numbers and stories behind this electrifying matchup to understand what made it unforgettable.
A Game of Grit and Heart
Why did this game feel like a heavyweight boxing match? Both teams traded blows, with neither willing to back down. After finishing the season 9-4, Louisville leaned on a depleted roster, missing 22 players due to opt-outs and transfers. At 6-7, Washington brought a rebuilt squad under first-year coach Jedd Fisch, with only two returning starters from their 2023 playoff team. The Louisville Cardinals football vs Washington Huskies football match player stats reveal how individual brilliance and team resilience shaped the outcome.
Louisville’s Offensive Firepower
Who stepped up for the Cardinals when it mattered most? Quarterback Harrison Bailey, a backup with just eight completions all season, took the helm after starter Tyler Shough opted out for the NFL Draft. Bailey completed 16 of 25 passes for 164 yards, tossing three touchdown passes without a single interception. His poise under pressure earned him praise from coach Jeff Brohm, who noted Bailey’s confidence rallied the team.
Running back Isaac Brown powered the ground game, churning out 99 yards on 18 carries. His physical running set the tone, especially on a key drive that chewed up clock late in the game. Wide receiver Chris Bell led the receiving corps with 60 yards on six catches, while Caullin Lacy added a spark with a 10-yard rushing touchdown. A transfer who redshirted midseason, Lacy showed why he’s a player to watch in 2025.
The Louisville Cardinals football vs. Washington Huskies football match player stats highlight Bailey’s three touchdown passes—to Antonio Meeks (28 yards), Nate Kurisky (21 yards), and another receiver for nine yards—as pivotal in keeping Louisville ahead. The Cardinals totaled 371 yards of offense, with 207 coming on the ground, proving they could dominate despite missing key starters like leading receiver Ja’Corey Brooks.
Washington’s Explosive Attack
What made Washington’s offense so dangerous? Freshman quarterback Demond Williams Jr., in only his second start, lit up the stat sheet. He completed 26 of 32 passes for 374 yards, throwing four touchdowns and one interception. Williams also led the Huskies in rushing with 48 yards on 20 carries, including a 7-yard touchdown scamper that tied the game in the first half.
Wide receiver Giles Jackson stole the show, setting a Sun Bowl record with four touchdown receptions on 11 catches for 161 yards. His scores included long bombs of at least 30 yards, showcasing his speed and chemistry with Williams. Jeremiah Hunter chipped in with three receptions for 78 yards, while the Huskies amassed 472 total yards, with 374 through the air.
The Louisville Cardinals football vs Washington Huskies football match player stats underscore Washington’s aerial dominance, but their offensive line struggled, allowing five sacks. Williams faced constant pressure, yet his 97-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter—a 13-play masterpiece—kept the Huskies in contention. Why couldn’t they close the gap? A failed two-point conversion in the final seconds proved costly.
Defensive Standouts and Key Moments
Which defenders made the difference? Louisville’s Jordan Guerad earned Most Valuable Lineman honors with six tackles, two for loss, and a sack. His disruption in the backfield rattled Williams, especially on third downs, where Washington converted only 6 of 15 attempts. Linebacker Antonio Watts sealed the victory by breaking up the Huskies’ two-point try with nine seconds left.
Washington’s defense, while allowing 371 yards, showed flashes of brilliance. Safety Cameron Broussard and defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez each made crucial stops, but the Huskies couldn’t contain Louisville’s balanced attack. The Louisville Cardinals football vs Washington Huskies football match player stats reveal a stark contrast: Louisville converted 6 of 14 third downs and went 1 for 2 on fourth downs. At the same time, Washington’s defense struggled to get off the field.
Special teams also played a role. Louisville punter Carter Schwartz earned Special Teams MVP, pinning Washington deep multiple times. Washington’s onside kick attempt, which had two seconds remaining, went out of bounds, ending their comeback hopes.
The Game’s Turning Point
What swung the momentum? With 2:45 left, Louisville’s defense forced a punt, and Bailey’s offense managed the clock effectively. Washington got the ball back in under a minute but faced a do-or-die situation. Williams’ 62-yard, 11-play drive culminated in a fourth-and-1 touchdown pass to Jackson, narrowing the score to 35-34. Coach Fisch’s bold call to go for two instead of tying the game with an extra point backfired when Watts knocked away the pass to Hunter.
The Louisville Cardinals football vs Washington Huskies football match player stats show how close this game was: Louisville held the ball for 28:24 compared to Washington’s 31:36, and the teams combined for 21 points in a wild first half, the second-highest in Sun Bowl history. Every yard mattered in this one-point thriller.
Why This Game Matters
Why should fans care about these stats? For Louisville, the win capped a 9-4 season, providing momentum for 2025 under Brohm’s leadership. Bailey’s emergence as a reliable quarterback offers hope, especially with key players like Brown and Lacy returning. Despite the loss, Washington found a star in Williams, whose 374 passing yards signal a bright future. Jackson’s record-setting day cements his status as a go-to playmaker.
The Louisville Cardinals football vs Washington Huskies football match player stats tell a story of resilience, adaptation, and clutch performances. Louisville’s ability to win without 22 players shows their depth, while Washington’s near-comeback highlights their potential under Fisch. Fans of both teams can look forward to exciting seasons ahead, fueled by the lessons from this Sun Bowl classic.
Final Thoughts
What makes the Louisville Cardinals football vs Washington Huskies football match player stats so compelling? They capture the essence of college football: heart, hustle, and high stakes. This game had everything from Bailey’s unexpected heroics to Williams’ dazzling debut, and Jackson’s record-breaking catches to Guerad’s defensive stops. As you relive the stats, you’ll see why the 2024 Sun Bowl was a fitting end to an unforgettable season. Which players will carry this momentum into 2025? Only time will tell, but the numbers suggest both teams have stars ready to shine.
