WATCH: Louisville returns pick six 66 yards to beat UCF
With less than a minute to go in the fourth quarter, the Louisville defense came up with a game-winning pick six. UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel dropped back to pass, but threw the ball right into the hands of linebacker Jaylin Alderman.
He took it 66 yards for the touchdown to put the Cardinals up 42-35, the score they would eventual win by.
It was the only interception of the game for Gabriel. The victory improved Louisville to 2-1, while the Knights dropped to 2-1.
A true freshman, it was the first interception of Alderman’s career. A native of Valdosta, Georgia, he came to Louisville as a three-star prospect who also held offers from Cincinnati, East Carolina and Middle Tennessee, among others.
After going down 14-7 early in the second quarter, Louisville responded with a Jalen Mitchell touchdown run. From that point on, they never trailed again, though the game would be tied several more times.
After Gabriel scored a rushing touchdown with 1:21 remaining to tie the game, Louisville gave the ball right back with an interception of its own. However, the defense did what the offense couldn’t and finally finished off the game.
Cardinals quarterback Malik Cunningham not only finished with 265 yards passing and a touchdown, but also led the team in rushing. He had 13 carries for 99 yards and a couple of touchdowns.
Outside of the interception, it was an otherwise solid game for Gabriel. He was 21-of-28 passing for 188 yards and three touchdowns.
Next on tap for Louisville is a matchup against ACC-foe Florida State and former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton. The Knights have a byebefore they face Navy on Oct. 2.
It’s certainly an encouraging sign for the Cardinals to see a young player like Alderman make such a crucial play. With plenty of years left to play, Louisville fans can look forward to him making plays like that pick six for a long time.