There is no way to put a positive spin on what happened Thursday night in Houston. Louisville played its worst game of the season, looking like an undisciplined bunch that came completely unglued after fumbling the opening kickoff.
They got dominated and outcoached, despite being in position to sneak into the College Football Playoff. After making a big deal about style points, margin of victory and its No. 5 ranking, perhaps Louisville should have just focused on winning a game.
So the playoffs are out, and the Cards have nobody to blame but themselves. But if anybody is looking for something to hang on to, Louisville has plenty left on the line.