Louisville starting quarterback Jawon Pass did not play against Western Kentucky on Saturday because of a foot injury, coach Scott Satterfield said.
Malik Cunningham started in his place and directed four first-half scoring drives before leaving in the third quarter following a hit to the head that knocked off his helmet. Cunningham completed 8 of 13 passes for 119 yards and added 46 yards rushing on 16 carries.
True freshman Evan Conley finished up and threw a 62-yard touchdown pass on his second throw of the game as the Cardinals dominated the Hilltoppers 38-21.
Pass, who started the first two games of the season, will be evaluated next week and is considered day-to-day.
The junior threw a career-best four touchdown passes in a 42-0 rout of Eastern Kentucky last week. He has completed 24 of 46 passes for 330 yards and rushed 29 times for 194 yards.
Cunningham, who missed several weeks of fall camp with a knee injury, also played last week against Eastern Kentucky. He rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown while completing one pass for 24 yards.
Cunningham and Pass split time last season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.