Louisville suffers a demoralizing 34-27 loss to SMU

In a game that always looked like it could take the 2024 season in one of two extreme directions, Louisville faltered, repeating the same mistakes that plagued it in the first month of the season en route to 34- 27. Home loss to SMU.

The loss ended U of L's streak of eight consecutive home wins in the conference and left the Cardinals just 1-1 in ACC play on the season.

If Louisville was desperate to prove its opponents wrong after last week's frustrating loss at Notre Dame, they certainly weren't showing it. The Cardinals came out of the game with little energy and essentially let their visitors strut down the field on each of their first two drives to gain an early advantage.

After trailing by 11 at halftime, U of L appeared to be on the verge of taking control of the game in the fourth quarter, but — and stop me if you've heard this before — a failed fourth down conversion in one crucial moment, some inexcusable penalties and a questionable call from the replay officials led to SMU picking up their seventh straight road win.

This loss will lead to many questions and uncomfortable conversations among the fan base – about the season, about Ron English, about using the transfer portal and yes, some of it about the head coach's decision-making and philosophy.

All of this was avoidable with a win on Saturday. The team didn't seem to understand the challenges of the competition and now have to deal with the (hopefully temporary) repercussions.