Wildcats make Cardinals pay
Heisman hopeful’s fumble opens the door on upset
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lamar Jackson lost the ball, No. 11 Louisville lost the game to rival Kentucky and it remains to be seen how it will impact the Heisman Trophy race that once belonged to the Cardinals quarterback just a few weeks ago.
The sophomore had a record-setting day Saturday, even striking a spontaneous Heisman pose following a gametying touchdown midway through the fourth quarter before all that jubilation turned to disappointment after a 41-38 loss. Jackson didn’t want to talk about the Heisman after the game, instead focusing on his team that was trying to digest another mistake-filled loss.
“This loss is gonna be hard,” Jackson said. “It’s our rival. Our seniors didn’t go out right.”
Austin MacGinnis’ 47-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining gave the Wildcats the upset, an unexpected turnaround after Jackson was driving the Cardinals (9-3) toward a go-ahead score late in the game. Jackson’s fumble at Kentucky’s 10 was recovered by the Wildcats’ Courtney Love with 1:45 left. Stephen Johnson then led Kentucky (7-5) downfield and into position for MacGinnis’ game-winning kick that ended Kentucky’s five-game losing streak in the series.
“I had great confidence in him,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said of MacGinnis. “I was numb. I just wanted to finish it.”
Jackson’s desperation heave as time expired from deep in Louisville territory was intercepted by Mike Edwards, his second pick of the game, and set off a celebration among the Wildcats and their fans.
“As soon as we got that fumble I knew my team was going to give me a chance,” said MacGinnis.
Jackson likely could have wrapped up the Heisman with his record-setting day, but he threw three interceptions — one of which was converted into a touchdown — and his late fumble led to the gamewinning kick.