Louisville Rallies Past Florida State 44-20 Behind Isaac Brown’s Career Night

Cardinals Overcome 14-Point Deficit as Brown Explodes for 235 Yards

The Louisville Cardinals overcame an early 14-point deficit to defeat the Florida State Seminoles 44-20 on Friday night in a Week 6 ACC showdown, fueled by a career best performance from running back Isaac Brown. Brown rushed for 235 yards and two touchdowns on just 17 carries, including a game-changing 97-yard touchdown run that helped turn the momentum in Louisville’s favor.

Louisville (3-3, 2-2 ACC) took control after Florida State appeared to be in command early. The Seminoles (3-3, 1-2 ACC) jumped out to a 14-0 lead and looked poised to extend their advantage before a crucial fourth down stop by the Cardinals defense changed the complexion of the game.

Florida State faced fourth and goal at the Louisville 3-yard line, but Cardinals defensive back Kaleb Beasley stopped wide receiver Jasen Lopez short of the end zone. Rather than allowing the Seminoles to take a three touchdown lead, Louisville gained a critical opportunity to respond.

On the first play of the Cardinals’ ensuing second quarter drive, Brown broke free for a 97-yard touchdown run, setting a Louisville program record for the longest play from scrimmage and breathing life into the home team’s comeback.

Florida State coach Mike Norvell said after the game that he still felt good about the decision to go for it on fourth down, pointing to the screen pass from quarterback Ashton Daniels to Lopez and the opportunity to build a three-touchdown advantage on the road. Instead, Brown’s explosive run sparked a Louisville rally that Florida State struggled to contain for the remainder of the night.

Louisville’s Ground Game Overwhelms the Seminoles

Brown continued to torment the Florida State defense throughout the game, finishing with 235 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. His rushing total was the highest by any running back among Football Bowl Subdivision programs this season.

The Cardinals entered the contest without their leading rusher, Keyjuan Brown, who was sidelined by an injury. Isaac Brown stepped into the spotlight and delivered one of the most productive rushing performances in program history.

Louisville finished with 397 rushing yards, its highest single-game total since gaining 411 yards against Syracuse on Nov. 11, 2018. Three kneeldowns to close out the game prevented the Cardinals from reaching 400 yards on the ground and recording the ninth 400-yard rushing performance in program history.

The rushing dominance also contributed to a lopsided offensive showing. Louisville finished with 537 total yards, while Florida State managed 362 yards of offense. The Cardinals controlled the contest after the pivotal fourth down stop, consistently finding room to run against a Seminoles defense that had difficulty slowing their attack. Florida State surrendered its most rushing yards in a game since Georgia Tech piled up 401 yards on Oct. 10, 2009, underscoring the extent of Louisville’s dominance on the ground.

Lincoln Kienholz Adds Two Rushing Touchdowns

Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz also made a significant contribution to the Cardinals’ rushing attack. After Brown opened the second half with another explosive play, Kienholz capitalized on the favorable field position to put Louisville in front.

Brown returned the opening kickoff of the second half 71 yards to the Florida State 28-yard line, with a horse-collar penalty adding to the Seminoles’ problems. Four plays later, Kienholz scored on a 3-yard run to give Louisville a 21-14 lead, its first advantage of the night.

Kienholz later delivered another backbreaking rushing touchdown, breaking loose for a 68-yard score midway through the fourth quarter. His two rushing touchdowns helped Louisville pull away as the Cardinals continued to exploit Florida State’s defensive struggles. Louisville’s rushing attack accounted for all of its touchdowns, highlighting the Cardinals’ ability to impose their physical style of play and finish drives without relying on their passing game.

Florida State’s Early Lead Slips Away

Florida State appeared firmly in control after taking a 14-0 lead, but the missed opportunity at the Louisville 3-yard line proved pivotal. Brown’s 97-yard touchdown immediately shifted the momentum, and the Seminoles never regained the same level of control.

Daniels completed 21 of 37 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a score. Despite his contributions, Florida State could not generate enough offensive production to keep pace with Louisville once the Cardinals’ ground game took over.

The Seminoles finished with 362 total yards but struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack of their own. Louisville’s defense made the crucial stop when it mattered most, while the Cardinals’ offense repeatedly punished Florida State for its inability to contain the run. The result was a convincing 24-point victory for Louisville and another difficult setback for a Florida State team that had opportunities to seize control early.

What’s Next for Louisville and Florida State?

Florida State will look to regroup before facing another major ACC challenge against No. 4 Miami on Oct. 17. The Seminoles will need a stronger defensive performance, particularly against the run, to compete with the Hurricanes on the road. Louisville will also return to action on Oct. 17, traveling to face Syracuse as the Cardinals attempt to build on their impressive comeback victory.

After trailing by two touchdowns, Louisville found its spark through Brown’s historic 97-yard touchdown run and never looked back. His career-high 235 rushing yards, combined with Kienholz’s contributions and a timely defensive stand, powered the Cardinals to a statement 44-20 win over Florida State.