Leonard and co. shutout by Louisville 23-0; first shutout for Duke since 2021
Posted October 26, 2023 1:19 p.m. EDT
Updated October 28, 2023 7:19 p.m. EDT
 20Duke Blue Devils |
0 |
 18Louisville Cardinals |
23 |
| Final | |
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Duke suffered their third loss of the season being shut out against the Louisville Cardinals 23-0.
This is the first time the Blue Devils have put up 0 points since October 16, 2021, when they were blown out 48-0 by the Virginia Cavaliers in David Cutcliffe final season as head coach.
Nonetheless, this is the second shut out given by the Louisville Cardinals throughout the season this year, including another one against Murray State, 56-0.
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard finished the day with 121 yards on 9-of-23 passing, with one interception and zero touchdowns. Quarterback Grayson Loftis also saw the field in the fourth quarter, completing 3-of-5 passes for 30 yards.
The Mirror of Louisville
The Louisville defense showed the Blue Devils a mirror image of what they have been like throughout the season.
The Cardinals' "Sea of Red" defense sacked Leonard six times Saturday afternoon, forcing him to scramble for more yardage.
Louisville linebacker Gilbert Frierson intercepted Leonard in the third quarter to the Duke 11 yard line, getting his first interception as a Cardinal after spending five years in Miami.
Struggles of the Offense
Leonard had a tough time staying put in the pocket due to the Cardinals defense. His receivers combined 151 receiving yards, with zero receiving and rushing touchdowns throughout the game.
The running game consisted of Leonard's legs as well, with 13 rushing yards, as well as the rushing leader being Jordan Waters with 23 yards of offense.
The Cardinals defense put up a fight against a Duke's offense, forcing Leonard and company to go three-and-out multiple times throughout the game.
Duke had a combined 202 yards compared to Louisville's 351 yards of offense, and Leonard seemed to be unable to connect with his receivers throughout the game.
Field Goals Seal The Deal
While there was not a single touchdown after the first quarter, Louisville's Brock Travelstead was able to drive down the field just enough for three field goals throughout the last three quarters.
Duke's defense helped Louisville to stay out of the red zone to score seven points, but nine points from Travelstead helped them to continue the lead throughout the game.
Up Next:
Duke comes back home to Wallace Wade Stadium to play Wake Forest University on November 2, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Scoring Summaries:
Quarter 3: Louisville: Brock Travelstead, 20 yard field goal, 7:32. Brock Travelstead, 24 yard field goal, 3:24. Louisville 23, Duke 0. Key Plays: Interception by Louisville LB Gilbert Frierson to the Duke 11 yard line.
Quarter 2: Louisville: Brock Travelstead makes 47 yard field goal, 00:49. Louisville 17, Duke 0. Key Plays: Flags have been killing Duke during this quarter, pushing them back to a 3rd & 24 at one point.
Quarter 1: Louisville: RB Jawhar Jordan 14 yard rushing touchdown (B. Travelstead kick), 7:13. RB Jawhar Jordan 23 yard rushing touchdown, (B. Travelstead kick), 1:01. Louisville 14, Duke 0. Key Plays: Louisville converts a 4th & 1 - converts to a touchdown. Duke on 4th & 1 Leonard gets tripped up and had a six yard loss to give Louisville a chance on offense.
