Nashville, Tenn. ? Hunter Cantwell threw for a career-high 340 yards and three touchdowns Friday night to lead No. 8 Louisville to a 44-17 victory against Middle Tennessee.

Two of Cantwell’s tosses went to Mario Urrutia, who finished with four receptions for 132 yards as the Cardinals overcame some early miscues to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 1993.

The Blue Raiders (3-3) dropped to 0-11 all-time against ranked opponents, but made the Cardinals work a little harder than they expected.

Middle Tennessee led 10-3 after an 88-yard kickoff return by Damon Nickson and Colby Smith’s 23-yard field goal.

The seven-point deficit matched Louisville’s largest of the season.