EL PASO, Texas — Harrison Bailey passed for three touchdowns, and Caullin Lacy contributed two scores as Louisville narrowly defeated Washington 35-34 in a thrilling Sun Bowl matchup on Tuesday.

Lacy connected with Bailey, who was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, for a 9-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter before adding an 8-yard rushing touchdown in the final quarter, giving Louisville a perceived comfortable two-score advantage heading into the later stages of the game.

However, Washington fought back in the fourth quarter, scoring twice in rapid succession. The final touchdown came on a 1-yard pass from Demond Williams Jr. to Giles Jackson, cutting the deficit to just one point with only nine seconds left.

Opting for a bold decision, the Huskies attempted a 2-point conversion to clinch the win instead of settling for an extra point to tie the game. Unfortunately for them, Williams’ pass was swatted down by linebacker Antonio Watts, sealing the victory for Louisville.

“It was a game until the final moments,” Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm stated, acknowledging that his team was missing 22 players due to transfer decisions and opt-outs. “We exchanged blows, and ultimately, we managed to secure one more play than they did.”

Washington’s coach Jedd Fisch reflected positively on the experience, noting, “There were numerous accomplishments throughout the game that our program can take pride in. Although the conclusion didn’t go our way, our goal was always to aim for the win, rather than a tie.”

Bailey, who had only featured in four games for Louisville this season and had previously completed just eight passes, stepped up to start due to senior Tyler Shough opting out for the NFL Draft. Bailey performed admirably, completing 16 of his 25 attempts for 164 yards and contributing touchdowns of 28, 21, and 9 yards.

“I’m really proud of Harrison,” Brohm added. “He exhibits great confidence, which is essential for a quarterback. He wanted the chance to play and the team responded positively, rallying around him.”

Bailey expressed how significant the victory was for the team, stating, “This win is tremendously important for our program. It boosts our momentum heading into the next season, and I’m really proud of everyone, especially our defense who stepped up when it mattered most.”

Washington’s performance was spearheaded by freshman Williams Jr., who achieved five touchdowns during the match. He completed 26 of 32 passes for an impressive 374 yards along with four touchdown passes and one interception, while also running 20 times for 48 yards and a touchdown.

Jackson, in a standout performance, set a Sun Bowl record with four receiving touchdowns, finishing with 11 catches for 161 yards. “While scoring is gratifying, it’s overshadowed by the loss,” Jackson admitted. “My stats don’t hold much weight to me; the win is what counts.”

The Cardinals started strong, never trailing in the game and scoring their first touchdown early when Tahveon Nicholson returned an interception for a 21-yard touchdown, taking a 7-0 lead.

In terms of personnel, the Cardinals faced numerous challenges, being without 22 players, including vital starters who entered the transfer portal, such as defensive lineman Jared Dawson and tight end Jamari Johnson. Shough, who recorded 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns this year, and top receiver Ja’Corey Brooks, who collected 61 receptions for 1,013 yards and nine touchdowns, were also unavailable.

In contrast, Washington’s roster remained intact without any opt-outs, although they did field a team that had seen significant turnover, returning only two starters from last year’s playoff team during coach Fisch’s inaugural season.

In terms of individual accolades, Louisville’s punter Carter Schwartz clinched the Special Teams MVP, while Jordan Guerad, who tallied six tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack, was honored as the Most Valuable Lineman. “We really held our ground as a defensive unit,” Guerad remarked.

Statistically, Washington’s linebacker Carson Bruener led all players with 11 tackles, while Louisville’s sharp defense outperformed Washington, finishing the game with five sacks compared to none from Washington.

Louisville concluded the season on a high note, winning their last three games and now stands at 2-0 historically in the Sun Bowl. In contrast, Washington faced disappointments, losing their last two games and now holds a 1-4 all-time record at the Sun Bowl. Both teams now hold even records in bowl games: Washington at 21-21-1 and Louisville at 13-13-1.

The contest marked the first time the two teams faced each other.

Looking ahead, Louisville is set to commence Brohm’s third season at home against Eastern Kentucky on August 30, aiming for their fifth consecutive bowl appearance. Washington will kick off Fisch’s second season the same day at home against Colorado State.