Offense clicks as Cards top NC State, 30-18

There was DeVante Parker catching a pass on the second play of the game and sprinting to a 37-yard gain.

There was Michael Dyer taking a late-game handoff 46 yards for a touchdown.

There was Will Gardner standing in the pocket, seeing downfield, having time to throw and hitting 21 completions.

In many ways, Saturday's 30-18 win over NC State for the University of Louisville football team was exactly what many fans thought they'd see this fall when the Cardinals took the field.

To the players and coaches, the performance wasn't perfect by any stretch, but Louisville (6-2) became bowl eligible for the fifth consecutive year with its full starting lineup on the field for the first time this season.

"That was a good win for us," Petrino said. "We're just a work in progress."

The positives were aplenty, though.

Louisville cut down on its penalties, losing 33 yards to four flags, three fewer than the Cards averaged coming into the game. The Cardinals also had their second turnover-free game of the season.

The offensive line, much maligned all season for inconsistent play, held up well in front of an announced crowd of 50,227 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, allowing three sacks but avoiding penalties and paving the way for Dyer's 173 rushing yards. The inclusion of Aaron Epps at right tackle was a big reason for that.

Yes, Louisville's defense allowed a touchdown for the first time in more than 17 quarters. And NC State (4-4) ran up the highest rushing tally (128 yards) and total yardage (351) against Louisville this year.

(Those stats were enough for a C-minus grade, according to cornerback Charles Gaines, and an F from Keith Kelsey.)

But the Cardinals' offense made such significant strides that none of that mattered.

"I thought we had … some touchdown passes that we missed," Petrino said, "but it was good to see things start executing and getting better. I think that's the biggest key."

Gardner, reinserted into the starting lineup, completed 21 of 36 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns.

While he "left a few out there," according to Petrino, Gardner finished his second consecutive game without a turnover. It was the third contest this year that Gardner didn't fumble or throw an interception.

Still, Petrino said his redshirt sophomore quarterback was in command in the huddle and on the sideline and showed signs of progress.

"I have to get better," Gardner said. "I left a lot of completions out on the field.

"Just getting back onto that field again and getting the game situations, it'll get better."

Nine of Gardner's completions went to Parker, who compiled 132 yards in his season debut. He'd missed the first seven games this season with a foot fracture, but showed little sign of that on Saturday. The 6-foot-3, 208-pound senior wasn't as explosive as he's been in the past, but he was close to full speed. The nine receptions tied a career high.

"Evidently he's getting close," Gardner said with a grin. "I expect to see bigger things out of him in the future."

It was the first start of the season for Dyer, whose 173 yards were a season high for the Cards. He looked powerful, quick and decisive, so much so that Louisville didn't need to use banged-up backs Brandon Radcliff (turf toe), Dominique Brown (ankle) or LJ Scott (ankle) all that much.

Dyer finally looked healthy after a thigh bruise limited him through the first seven games.

"It was frustrating for him – there's no question about that," Petrino said. "We tried to get him in there … but he just wasn't himself.

"He just kept working real hard, and it's great to see him come out and have success when it took him a long time."

Petrino was talking about Dyer, but those statements could apply to Louisville's offense.

It took the Cards some time, but Saturday's win was the first glimpse at something everyone thought they'd see in September. It wasn't perfect, but it was a major step in the right direction.

"It's fun to see us be better out there and feel more comfortable," Petrino said, "but we still have a long way to go to get where we need to be."

Reach U of L beat writer Jeff Greer at (502) 582-4044 and follow him on Twitter (@jeffgreer_cj).​