Evans, Louisville ground James Madison 34-10

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Tiyon Evans ran for 126 yards on 10 carries, including a 71-yard touchdown, to help lead Louisville to a 34-10 victory over James Madison on Saturday night.

The junior transfer from Tennessee spurred a ground game that amassed 244 yards for the Cardinals (6-3). His touchdown with 6:04 left in the third quarter extended Louisville’s lead to 20-10 and came one play after the Dukes (5-3) were forced to punt.

Jawhar Jordan added 117 yards on 17 carries, and Malik Cunningham threw for 223 yards and three scores on 14-of-20 passing in the win.

Unlike last week, when Louisville’s defense forced Wake Forest into eight turnovers and eight sacks, the Cardinals did not get any of those against the Dukes. However, the Cardinals found a way to stymie an offense that entered Saturday averaging 38.7 points and 480.7 yards per game, limiting James Madison to just 193 yards.

James Madison's Percy Agyei-Obese ran for 102 yards on 24 carries. His 9-yard touchdown with 1:43 left in the first half gave the Dukes a 10-7 lead.

Cunningham, however, then rallied the Cardinals for a nine-play, 65-yard drive that led to a James Turner 28-yard field goal to end the half and tie the game.

Quarterback Todd Centeio returned to action for James Madison after missing the Oct. 22 game against Marshall due to an oblique injury. But he threw for just 52 yards on 4-of-15 passing after throwing for 862 yards in his two previous starts.

BIG PICTURE

James Madison: After starting their first FBS season with five straight wins and a Top 25 ranking, the Dukes have hit a rough patch with three straight losses.

Louisville: The Cardinals not only clinched bowl eligibility on Saturday, they now have their longest winning streak under four-year coach Scott Satterfield. It’s also Louisville’s longest streak since winning five straight in 2016, Lamar Jackson’s Heisman Trophy-winning season.

UP NEXT

James Madison travels to face Old Dominion next Saturday.

Louisville plays at Clemson Saturday and seeks its first win against its Atlantic Coast Conference foe.

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