Skip to main content
Tuesday, November 10, 2026Nov 10
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

No. 3 Cardinals look to handle Houston, boost playoff hopes

FILE - At left, in a Nov. 5, 2016, file photo, Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson runs during the first half of an NCAA football game against the Boston College at Alumni Stadium in Boston, Mass. At right, in a Sept. 29, 2016, file photo, Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) runs past the Connecticut defense en route to a 30-yard touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Houston. No. 3 Louisville (9-1) is in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff as the Cardinals prepare to face Houston (8-2) on Thursday night, Nov. 17. (AP Photo/File)
FILE - At left, in a Nov. 5, 2016, file photo, Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson runs during the first half of an NCAA football game against the Boston College at Alumni Stadium in Boston, Mass. At right, in a Sept. 29, 2016, file photo, Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) runs past the Connecticut defense en route to a 30-yard touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Houston. No. 3 Louisville (9-1) is in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff as the Cardinals prepare to face Houston (8-2) on Thursday night, Nov. 17. (AP Photo/File) FILE - At left, in a Nov. 5, 2016, file photo, Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson runs during the first half of an NCAA football game against the Boston College at Alumni Stadium in Boston, Mass. At right, in a Sept. 29, 2016, file photo, Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) runs past the Connecticut defense en route to a 30-yard touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Houston. No. 3 Louisville (9-1) is in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff as the Cardinals prepare to face Houston (8-2) on Thursday night, Nov. 17. (AP Photo/File)

By Associated Press 4 min read

HOUSTON (AP) – Last season, Houston outlasted Louisville 34-31 thanks in part to miscues by Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson in his first career start.

Things have changed.

Jackson is now the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and has No. 3 Louisville (9-1) in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff as the Cardinals visit Houston on Thursday night .

Jackson threw for 168 yards and a touchdown against the Cougars last season. But also tossed two interceptions, and a late touchdown pass by Greg Ward helped Houston to the victory.

“We’re a much different team than we were last year,” Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said. “Right then we were trying to even find out who we are and what we were doing and everything was new to Lamar when he was out there … just understanding the difference between high school football and college football. So I don’t think last year’s game will play into this game at all.”