Louisville stops late two-point conversion to hold off Washington in 2024 Sun Bowl thriller

Louisville escaped with a 35-34 victory over Washington in a thrilling Sun Bowl on Tuesday as the Cardinals thwarted a go-ahead two-point conversion attempt from the Huskies with nine seconds left. Then, after receiving an unsportsmanlike penalty, the Cardinals had to keep Washington from recovering a dangerous onside kick that could have returned the football to the Huskies in prime field position.

It made for a wild finish to a game that the Cardinals led 35-21 until a furious Washington rally. The Huskies drew within 35-28 when they capped a 97-yard touchdown drive with a 31-yard touchdown connection between Demond Williams Jr. and Giles Jackson with 3:42 remaining.

After a defensive stand from the Huskies, Williams and Jackson connected for a fourth score. But instead of kicking an extra point to tie the game and likely force overtime, first-year Washington coach Jedd Fisch rolled the dice and and went for two. Williams targeted receiver Jeremiah Hunter in the back corner of the end zone, but Louisville’s Antonio Watts broke up the pass to preserve the victory.

With Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough opting out, backup Harrison Bailey made the fourth start of his five-year college career. The former Tennessee and UNLV signal-caller threw a career-high three touchdown passes. The running game gave Bailey plenty of help, too, as Isaac Brown and Duke Watson combined for 182 yards rushing on 28 carries.

• Making his second career start, Washington freshman quarterback Demond Williams Jr. finished 26 of 32 for 374 with four touchdowns after throwing a pick six on the Huskies first possession. Giles Jackson caught all four of his touchdown passes. It was an encouraging showing for Williams, who also totaled 48 yards and a touchdown on the ground while demonstrating that he could be the QB of the future for the Huskies.

• While the Cardinals were without Shough and star receiver Ja’Corey Brooks, they did receive an infusion of talent as Caullin Lacy played for the first time since October. Lacy opted in October to sit out for the rest of the season after appearing in four regular season games. His decision came after a collarbone injury limited him to begin the season, and the move allowed him to use the 2024 season as a redshirt year. Playing in the bowl game did not jeopardize his redshirt status, and he showcased his dynamic playmaking ability with a rushing touchdown, a receiving touchdown and a 25-yard punt return.

• The win marked just the second bowl victory of the postseason for the ACC, which is now 2-9.