Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to get away from Samford defensive back Cody Brooks (22) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. Louisville won 45-3. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The Associated Press
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Lamar Jackson threw one touchdown pass and ran for two more scores to lead Louisville to a 45-3 rout of Samford on Saturday night.
Jackson finished with 184 yards rushing, a school-record for a quarterback. He scored on keepers of 14 and 13 yards in the first six minutes of the game. His 73-yard run set up Brandon Radcliff's 2-yard touchdown run to make it 21-0. Jackson finished 15 of 22 for 212 yards passing, including a 36-yard touchdown to James Quick.
Louisville (1-3) used two early turnovers to setup scores. Cornerback Trumaine Washington forced a fumble on the second play from scrimmage and Jackson ran for a score two plays later. Washington then intercepted a Michael Eubank pass less than a minute later to spark an 80-yard drive that put the Cardinals up 14-0.
Anthony Pistelli kicked a 32-yard field goal for Samford (2-2).
Louisville, which entered averaging 109 yards per game on the ground, finished with 288 yards rushing.
Samford proved welcome relief from Louisville's tough early-season schedule that included close losses to Auburn, Houston, and Clemson that left the Cardinals 0-3 for the first time since 1984.
Quick played for the first time since injuring an ankle in the Auburn opener. He led Louisville receivers with three catches and 69 yards as 12 Cardinals caught passes.
John Wallace kicked a 50-yard field goal to give Louisville a 24-3 lead with 6:15 left in the first half.
Jackson broke the previous quarterback rushing mark set by Jim Wagoner's 162 yards in 1974. But an interception on the first play of the second quarter, and a fumble showed it wasn't a perfect night for Jackson.
Louisville had started a different quarterback in each of its first three games, the only team in the country to do so. Jackson started Louisville's second game after rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown against Auburn in relief of Reggie Bonnafon.
Eubank and Devlin Hodges combined for 17 of 30 for 170 yards passing with three interceptions for Samford.
The Cardinals extended their nation-leading streak to 17 games with an interception.
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AP College Football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org
Louisville wide receiver Devante Peete (86) attempts to get away from Samford defensive back James Bradberry (21) and linebacker Josh Killett (43) during the second half of their NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. Louisville won 45-3. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The Associated Press
Louisville wide receiver James Quick outruns the pursuit of Samford linebacker Josh Killett (43) and free safety Jamerson Blount (27) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. Louisville won 45-3. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The Associated Press
Samford's cornerback James Bradberry (21) forces Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) out of bounds during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The Associated Press
Samford running back Denzel Williams (25) has his helmet pulled off by Louisville linebacker James Hearns (99) as Louisville linebacker Isaac Stewart assists on the tackle during the second half of their NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. Louisville won 45-3. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The Associated Press
Samford coach Chris Hatcher argues a call with an official during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Louisville, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. Louisville won 45-3. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The Associated Press
Samford quarterback Michael Eubank (2) is sacked by Louisville nose tackle Deangelo Brown, bottom, and cornerback Jaire Alexander during the first half of their NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The Associated Press
Samford's K'rondis Larry (17) runs from the grasp of Louisville's Josh Harvey-Clemons (25) during the first half of their NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The Associated Press
Louisville running back Brandon Radcliff (23) avoids the grasp of Samford defensive back James Breadberry, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The Associated Press
Samford quarterback Michael Eubank looks to pass during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Louisville, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The Associated Press
Louisville coach Bobby Petrino shouts instructions to his team during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Samford, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The Associated Press