Louisville is looking for some life in what’s been a disappointing 2021 season so far.

The Cardinals may have done just that. They got a big spark late in the first quarter as quarterback Malik Cunningham hit Jordan Watkins for a 75-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.

Neither team scored in the second quarter, so the score remains tied at 7-all going into the break.

Here’s Cunningham’s pass to Watkins:

That was Louisville’s fourth passing play of this season to go for more than 70 yards. No other ACC team had more than two entering today’s games.

Cunningham now has nine career plays of 75 yards or more. No other player in program history has more than three such plays, according to the Courier Journal’s Cameron Teague:

Louisville is trying to move to 5-3 on the season and get within striking distance of bowl eligibility. A win would also mean the Cardinals remain alive in the ACC Atlantic division, although that window is closing quickly.

North Carolina State is hoping to avoid its second straight loss. The Wolf Pack fell 31-30 to Miami in Week 8 after starting the season with a 5-1 record.