LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Lincoln Kienholz threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two more scores to help No. 24 Louisville beat Villanova 59-13 on Friday night for its first victory of the season.
The Ohio State transfer missed on his first two passes, then little else, as he led the Cardinals (1-1) to an easy victory over their Football Championship Subdivision guests. He completed 16-of-21 passes and gained 42 yards on six carries before exiting the game after three quarters with Louisville up 45-13.
Louisville had 635 yards of offense and held the Wildcats (1-2) to 253, with just 126 coming after the first minute of the second quarter.
Kienholz put Louisville up for good with his 19-yard touchdown run with 4:33 left in the opening quarter, making it 14-3. He added a 69-yard pass to Jaleel Skinner with 14 seconds left in the period. Lawayne McCoy caught three passes for 102 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown strike from Kienholz with 13:24 left in the first half.
Pat McQuaide completed 18-of-31 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown for the Wildcats, but connected on just four of his last 14 attempts.
The Takeaway
Villanova: The Wildcats, ranked No. 18 in the Football Championship Subdivision coaches' poll, hung with the Cardinals early, trailing 17-10 just seconds into the second quarter. However, Louisville's speed and size were too much for 60 minutes.
Louisville: The Cardinals dominated but still committed some of the same mistakes that cost them last weekend against Ole Miss. A defensive breakdown led to a 65-yard touchdown pass, and five of their seven penalties were 15-yarders.
Up next
Villanova: At Long Island next Saturday.
Louisville: Hosts SMU next Saturday.
