Trash talk: Syracuse LB doesn't see Louisville football as 'a tough challenge' in Week 1
CHARLOTTE — Forty-five days stand between Louisville football and its season opener against Syracuse, but a member of the Orange's defense has already dished out some some bulletin-board material for the Cardinals to work with.
Taking the stage Wednesday at the Atlantic Coast Conference's Kickoff event in Charlotte, North Carolina, Syracuse senior linebacker Mikel Jones was asked for his outlook on U of L's offense heading into Week 1 with dual-threat quarterback Malik Cunningham under center.
"We see it as a good opportunity. We don't think it's going to be a tough challenge," said Jones, who recorded 110 total tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss as a junior. "We're excited to play those guys the first week."
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It's tough talk from Jones as Louisville will look to stretch its winning streak over Syracuse to four in a row when the two teams kick off at 8 p.m. Sept. 3 inside JMA Wireless Dome in upstate New York. The Cardinals boast a 13-7 overall record against the Orange and are coming off a 41-3 victory against coach Dino Babers' team on Nov. 13, 2021.
With U of L legend Lamar Jackson on hand at Cardinal Stadium for his jersey retirement ceremony, Cunningham proceeded to throw four first-half touchdowns and ran for another score to put the game out of reach early.
In the three games Cunningham has started against Syracuse during his career, he has combined to score 13 touchdowns. Louisville, meanwhile, has outscored the Orange 127-37.
When asked Wednesday about his team's Week 1 opponent, Cunningham said it won't be "a pushover game."
"Syracuse is very experienced. They bring back, I think, everybody on the defensive side — I know for sure — and on the offense, as well. So that's not like a pushover game and things like that," Cunningham told reporters at ACC Kickoff. "We know what we've got to do. We've been working this offseason. I mean, unless they come out with (something) crazy, which they probably will do just like Ole Miss did (in Week 1 last season). And so we just got to be ready for whatever they throw at us."
If Louisville beats Syracuse in Week 1, it will tie the program's longest winning streak over the Orange, which spanned from 2014-17.
Reach recruiting and trending sports reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @brooksHolton.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Syracuse's Mikel Jones trash talks Louisville football at ACC Kickoff
