True freshman quarterback Demond Williams had a big day for the Huskies in the Sun Bowl. That and other impressions from the 35-34 loss to Louisville.

Capping off year two under head coach Jeff Brohm with a showdown against Washington in the Sun Bowl, the Cardinals were able to withstand a furious fourth quarter comeback attempt, coming out on top with a thrilling 35-34 victory on Tuesday at Sun Bowl Stadium.

Harrison Bailey threw for three touchdowns and Caullin Lacy scored twice as Louisville hung on to beat Washington 35-34 in the Sun Bowl.

Louisville ranked among the top teams in the ACC but suffered at the expense of close-game luck, finishing with an 8-4 record. All four losses -- Notre Dame, SMU, Miami and Stanford -- were by one score. The Cardinals gave Notre Dame their closest game of the season outside of the loss to Northern Illinois .

Led by second-year head coach Jeff Brohm, Louisville finished the 2024 regular season at 8-4, while going 5-3 in ACC play. The Cardinals had 12 players named to the 2024 All-ACC Team, which included wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks earning a First-Team nod, and running back Isaac Brown being named the Offensive and Overall Rookie of the Year.

Harrison Bailey is expected to start at quarterback for Louisville in the Sun Bowl against Washington, which means there won’t be a final trip to Texas for Tyler Shough before he pursues an NFL career.

Louisville vs Washington football prediction, odds and how to watch college football Sun Bowl game. Here's what to know about Louisville football.

The Louisville Cardinals come in as a 2 1/2-point favorite in the 2024 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl against the Washington Huskies

In a season that began with uncertainty in personnel and questions about how such a new team would look, an invitation to college football’s second-oldest bowl game is an immense destination.