Cards win easily at FIU, but lose a couple key players in the process

It wasn’t the prettiest game, or even very pretty at all, but the Louisville Cardinals went on the road and defeated Florida International 34-3. The Cards improved to 3-1 on the season, but this win was costly, as quarterback Will Gardner and running back L.J. Scott both left the game injured and did not return.

Gardner was hurt after linebacker Treyvon Williams hit him in his surgically repaired left knee. Looking at the replays, it looked like a cheap shot. Gardner had already thrown the ball and Williams dove low. It didn’t look very clean. I won’t speculate on the injury, but Gardner looked to be in pain as he was dragging himself on the turf. As someone who has also torn this ACL, I certainly hope it was just something minor and that he did not return because the game was in hand.

L.J. Scott was injured a few plays prior to Gardner getting hurt. He suffered some sort of ankle injury. Without FOX Sports 1 or FOX Sports 2 having a sideline reporter to update the audience on these kinds of things, information was pretty scarce. However, since the game ended, we have learned that X-rays were taken on his ankle and they came back negative, which is good.

Gardner finished the game 16/28 for 295 yards and 2 touchdowns. He didn’t throw an interception but did lose a fumble. Brett Nelson and Kyle Bolin entered the game to combine for 29 yards on 4/8 passing.

Scott had 3 carries for 4 yards and 1 touchdown.