LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Utah coach Kyle Whittingham knew it would take quarterback Brian Johnson a while to shake off the rust of a nearly two-year hiatus following knee surgery in December 2005.

Consider Johnson rust-free, as are most opponents when they're done playing the Cardinals these days.

Johnson threw for 312 yards and a score and ran for another 37 yards and a touchdown as the Utes held off reeling Louisville 44-35 on Friday.

"It was a big-time stage," Johnson said. "I wanted to make a statement and show the nation what the Utes are all about. We showed what we can do."

The Utes (3-3) rolled up 582 yards against Louisville's shaky defense, sending the Cardinals (3-3) to their third loss in four games. Darrell Mack ran for a career-high 163 yards and three touchdowns and the Utes held off a late rally by the Cardinals to remain undefeated all-time against current members of the Big East.

"We kept moving the ball and wearing them out," Mack said. "I don't think they knew what to expect. We kept them on their toes and they didn't know what was coming next."

Two weeks after low