Lamar Jackson breaks Louisville TD record in win over NC State

Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson now has the Cardinals’ single-season touchdown record. Yes, Louisville still has at least six games left in the season.

Jackson, our favorite for the Heisman Trophy, threw three touchdowns and ran for another in a 54-13 rout of North Carolina State. The touchdowns give him 34 for the season, breaking the previous record of 33 total touchdowns that was held by former Cardinal quarterbacks Dave Ragone and Brian Brohm.

Jackson’s fourth touchdown came in the first half as well. His 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jamari Staples put the Cardinals up 41-0.

His first core of the game was a lightning-quick 36-yard run. The score came approximately 90 seconds into the game and, well, was a pretty good sign that this wasn’t going to be NC State’s day.

Jackson finished the game 20-34 passing for 355 yards and three touchdowns. He had 17 carries for 76 yards.

For as awesome as Jackson was, NC State quarterback Ryan Finley was poor. Finley tossed two brutal interceptions as the Wolfpack had -1 yard in the first quarter. After Finley’s second pick of the game he was replaced by backup Jalen McClendon. His first pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and intercepted by Louisville.

The Cardinals didn’t earn any style points in their win over Duke last week. And perhaps perception was on Louisville coach Bobby Petrino’s mind on Saturday. While Louisville wasn’t as aggressive in the second half, Jackson stayed in the game after halftime.

It could have been in an effort to add another touchdown or two to Jackson’s statline too. He’s still the Heisman favorite, but a few more five or six touchdown games can only help Jackson’s cause. If he approaches 50 total touchdowns by the end of the season, the vote could be a runaway if Louisville keeps winning.

He certainly has the pose perfected.

Incredible shot of Lamar Jackson. Almost … statue-esque.

(????:: Jamie Rhodes of USATSI) pic.twitter.com/iYN34Ulrjm
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) October 22, 2016

Lamar Jackson threw three touchdowns and ran for another. (Reuters)