Preview: Syracuse at Louisville

Syracuse (4-6, 2-4 ACC) at Louisville (6-4, 3-4 ACC)
Game Details: Saturday, Nov. 18 | 3:30 p.m.
Location: Louisville, Ky. | Papa John's Cardinal Stadium
Game Links: Tickets | Listen | Watch | Live Stats
Television: ESPNU
Radio: Syracuse IMG Radio Network
Twitter: @CuseFootball | @Cuse
Syracuse Links: News | Roster | Schedule | Stats | Notes
Louisville Links: News | Roster | Schedule | Stats | Notes

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse (4-6, 2-4 ACC) travels to Kentucky to take on the Louisville Cardinals (6-4, 3-4 ACC) on Saturday, Nov. 18 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. with the game airing on ESPNU. Mark Neely (play-by-play) and Ray Bentley (analyst) on the call.

The game is the Orange's final road contest of 2017 and marks Syracuse's sixth trip to Papa John's Cardinal stadium since the building opened in 1998.

The Orange are coming off a 64-43 loss to Wake Forest, a game that featured 66 first downs and an ACC-record 1,355 yards off offense. In their last outing, the Cardinals defeated Virginia 38-21 to officially become bowl-eligible.

ORANGE FACE REIGNING HEISMAN WINNER FOR SECOND TIME
When signal-caller Lamar Jackson takes the field for Louisville, it will mark the second time the Orange have gone up against the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Syracuse faced Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston in 2014 after he was awarded the Heisman Trophy the previous season. Winston completed 30-of-36 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-20 victory over the Orange in his post-Heisman campaign.

It should be noted that only 27 underclassmen have won the award since it started being presented in 1935, so it's not often a team has the opportunity to face the previous season's award winner. However, it did almost happen to the Orange again in 1998. Michigan's Charles Woodson captured the Heisman as a junior in 1997, but turned pro after the season so he was not the Wolverines' roster when Syracuse defeated Michigan at "The Big House."

ISHMAEL RECORD WATCH
Newly-minted as a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award (nation's most outstanding receiver), senior Steve Ishmael is on the cusp adding his name to the Syracuse record book in three more categories.

Ishmael has 92 receptions this season for 1,131 yards. He needs three more grabs to become Syracuse's single-season catch leader. Amba Etta-Tawo set the standard a year ago with 94 receptions. In addition, Ishmael can pass legend Marvin Harrison as the program leader in career receiving yardage this weekend. Ishmael needs 54 yards to break Harrison's mark of 2,728.

One of the most consistent performers in the country, Ishmael has seven 100-yard games in 2017. With one more, he claims sole possession of first place on that 'Cuse record list as well. Ishmael is currently tied with Etta-Tawo who hit the century mark in receiving yards seven times in 2016.

SCOUTING LOUISVILLE
Louisville is in its fourth straight season under head coach Bobby Petrino. Petrino also coached the Cardinals from 2003-2006. In his eight seasons with Louisville, Petrino holds a 73-26 overall record.

The Cardinals possess one of the most dynamic offenses in the nation, ranking fourth nationally in total offense (543.7) and first downs (273), 12th in passing offense (319.5), 21st in scoring offense (36.8) and 23rd in rushing offense (224.2).

Jackson leads the ACC in rushing and passing. He has 178 carries for 1,176 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground to go along with 3,003 yards and 21 touchdowns through the air. He is responsible for 36 of Louisville's 46 touchdowns (78.3 pct.). Jackson ranks first nationally in total offense (417.9), fourth in points responsible for (21.8) and rushing touchdowns (15), eighth in touchdowns scored (15) and 11th in passing yards per game (300.3).

Louisville has three different receivers with at least 500 yards on the year. Jaylen Smith (703) leads the way, followed by Dez Fitzpatrick (611) and Seth Dawkins (517).

Defensively, the Cardinals rank first in the ACC and 27th nationally with eight fumbles recovered. Chucky Williams is the leader of the Louisville defense with a team-high 62 tackles and three forced fumbles.

SERIES HISTORY
Saturday's matchup is the 16th meeting between Syracuse and Louisville. The Cardinals own a 9-6 advantage in the all-time series and have won six of the past seven pairings.

The most recent win for the Orange came in 2012 when they defeated the Cardinals 45-26 at the Carrier Dome.

In the last season's meeting, the Cardinals claimed a 62-28 triumph behind 610 yards of total offense from Jackson. For Syracuse, Eric Dungey accounted for all four Orange touchdowns (3 passing, 1 rushing). Parris Bennett finished the game with seven tackles and two forced fumbles.

UP NEXT
Syracuse returns home for the final game of the regular season Saturday, Nov. 25 to take on Boston College. Kickoff is set for 12:20 p.m. on the ACC Network. Tickets to watch the Orange and Eagles start at $30 and available online (Cuse.com/tickets), by phone (888-DOME-TIX) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B).

Prior to the start of the game, the Orange football program will honor the members of its 2017 senior class. It's also Band Day, with many of the area's outstanding high school bands scheduled to perform.

For complete coverage of Syracuse football, follow us on Twitter (@CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and like us on Facebook (Syracuse Football).

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Players Mentioned

Parris Bennett

Eric Dungey

Steve Ishmael

Syracuse University Athletics