Louisville vs. UConn 2012 final score: Huskies upset Cardinals in triple overtime, 23-20

The Louisville Cardinals dropped their second straight conference game as they were upset at home in triple overtime, 23-20, by Connecticut. The Huskies led for much of the game until the Cardinals scored their first touchdown of the day with just 21 seconds remaining in regulation. But a Teddy Bridgewater interception in the third overtime would give UConn a shot to win it. Kicker Chad Christen drilled a 30-yard field goal to end it and pull off the upset win.

On their opening possession in overtime, Louisville had to settle for a field goal, which John Wallace converted from 37 yards out. The possession was marred by a big hit to Bridgewater, who injured his leg and had to leave the game on third down. Will Stein came on in relief, but the Cardinals were forced to kick the field goal.

Bridgewater returned in the second overtime, and promptly matched a UConn touchdown to force the third OT. But the Cardinals QB would throw a critical interception on third-and-goal from the five, and UConn would take advantage of the overtime turnover.

The Louisville offense could get nothing going against the Huskies for most of the day, but on the final drive in regulation, they mounted a 13-play, 92-yard drive to even it up with just 21 seconds remaining. Bridgewater injured his wrist in the first half and had X-rays in the locker room but he took the field in the second. He finished the game 30 of 53 for 331 yards, and connected with DeVante Parker for a six-yard touchdown to keep the Cards' hopes alive. Bridgewater floated it perfectly into the arms of a wide-open Parker in the left corner of the end zone, capping the drive and sending it into overtime.

The UConn offense was not much better in regulation, but the Huskies made a concerted effort to feed it to running back Lyle McCombs. The sophomore rusher did much of the work on an eight-play, 51-yard drive that opened the scoring in the first quarter. Christen split the uprights for the early 3-0 lead. On their first possession of the second quarter, UConn marched down the field on another sustained drive, only this time they came away with seven. Nick Williams punched it in from three yards out for the 10-0 lead, but the Huskies were unable to add to it in the second half.

But Christen would step up in the third overtime, and thanks to the UConn defense, which was impressive all day, the three points were enough to end it in triple OT.

Box Score Hero: Bridgewater had a huge day, throwing for 331 yards and two touchdowns on a whopping 53 attempts. But his interception was the difference in overtime. McCombs led the effort on the winning side, rushing for 133 yards on 29 carries.

Rankings Ramifications: Louisville will fall in the polls, and will be at the bottom of the top 25 or drop out of the rankings altogether.

But Did They Cover? Louisville was a double-digit favorite at home, and they failed to cover.

For More On This Game: For more on Cardinals football, visit Louisville blog Card Chronicle, plus Big East blog Big East Coast Bias. For more on Huskies football, visit UConn blog The UConn Blog.

Next Week's Schedule: Louisville will head to New Jersey to face Rutgers on Thursday night. Connecticut will host Cincinnati on Saturday to wrap up their 2012 regular season.

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