This NC State game was so important last year. The game before, the Cards were in the hunt for a New Years Six type bowl. They went into Miami with hopes of solidifying that opportunity. Unfortunately, they got shellacked 52-27. How would the team react? The 2018 team would’ve likely folded the rest of the season. Could first year coach Scott Satterfield get his guys regrouped and win a tough night game on the road against NC State?
The answer ended up being a resounding yes. QB Micale Cunningham threw for 242 yards and 4 TDs. Tutu Atwell, Dez Fitzpatrick, and Marshon Ford were the main targets for Cunningham. Atwell had 5 catches for 110 yards and 1 TD. Dez had 4 catches for 72 yards and a TD. Marshon had 3 catches for 52 yards and 2 TDs. Oh and this was the game with the famous fake FG TD pass by Ryan Chalifoux to Marshon Ford. Javian Hawkins helped close out the game by pounding the rock for 67 yards on 16 carries.
This win allowed Louisville to finish the season with a winning record. It helped get them the Music City Bowl where they played Mississippi State and won. Just a year removed from 2-10 they had done a complete 180. This NC State game was arguably the most important game in 2019.
