 His first start was in the fifth game of the 1951 season against St. Bonaventure, where he threw 11 consecutive passes and three touchdowns to give the Cardinals a 21–19 lead.Louisville ended up losing the game 22–21 on a disputed field goal, but found a new starting quarterback.Unitas completed 12 of 19 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns in a 35–28 victory over Houston.