The 2023 Louisville football program will take the field one final time in a battle against USC in the Holiday Bowl.
I’m sad. You’re sad. We’re all sad. Why? College football is finally coming to an end. Yes, we’re all celebrating the fact that in year one as the head coach of his alma mater, Jeff Brohm has made Louisville football relevant again. The Cards spent the majority of the season ranked, even achieving its highest CFB Playoff ranking since 2016 when #8 was roaming the field. But in a year with so many highs, it’s hard to officially close the book on the action and move to the next season.
Thankfully, we get one more football matchup. Enter USC in the Holiday Bowl out west.
First Down: What to Know
Who: USC (7-5, 5-4) vs. #15 Louisville (10-3, 7-1)
When: Wednesday, December 27th | 8 PM ET
Where: Petco Park | San Diego, CA
What’s at Stake: Egg nog. Owning the holidays. 11 wins for the first time since 2013.
Series: 0-0. Louisville and USC have never met
Last matchup: I SAID THEY HAVEN’T MET
Spread check: Louisville -6.5 | O/U 59 (DraftKings)
Thread check:
Weather: 58 and cloudy
How to watch: FOX
How to listen: 93.9 in Louisville | ESPN Louisville app
Where to get your pre-game liquor: Frankfort Avenue Liquors & Wine
Pre-game listening: From The Pink Seats Podcast (Also available on YouTube)
Timeout: How about some wholesome San Diego zoo content?
Here for tour guide Ashton Gillotte
Second Down: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Louisville
Who’s out: Jamari Thrash, WR (Declared for 2024 NFL Draft/recovering from injury), Jawhar Jordan, RB (Declared for 2024 NFL Draft/recovering from injury), Josh Minkins Jr., S (Transfer Portal), Kam Wilson, DL (Transfer Portal), Ryheem Craig, DL (Transfer Portal), Izaiah Reed, OL (Transfer Portal), Victoine Brown, DL (Transfer Portal), Popeye Williams, DL (Transfer Portal), Marquis Groves-Killebrew, CB (Transfer Portal), Derrick Edwards III, CB (Transfer Portal), Jackson Hamilton, LB (Transfer Portal)
Who’s In: Cam’Ron Kelly (Declared for 2024 NFL Draft but will play), Ashton Gillotte (Will skip 2024 NFL Draft and return for senior season) everyone else not mentioned above
USC
Who’s out: Caleb Williams, QB (Declared for NFL Draft), MarShawn Lloyd, RB (Declared for NFL Draft), Brendan Rice, WR (Declared for NFL Draft), Calen Bullock, S (Declared for NFL Draft), Tackett Curtis, LB (Transfer Portal), Malachi Nelson, QB (Transfer Portal), Michael Jackson III, WR (Transfer Portal), Mario Williams, WR (Transfer Portal), De’Jon Benton, DL (Transfer Portal), Domani Jackson, CB (Transfer Portal), Chris Thompson Jr., LB (Transfer Portal), Darin Barlow, RB (Transfer Portal), Matthew Colombo, RB (Transfer Portal), Raleek Brown, WR (Transfer Portal), Jude Wolfe, TE (Transfer Portal), Andrew Milek, OL (Transfer Portal), Michael Tarquin, OL (Transfer Portal), Jamar Sekona, DL (Transfer Portal), Korey Foreman, DE (Transfer Portal), Fabian Ross, CB (Transfer Portal), Xamarion Gordon, S (Transfer Portal)
Who’s in: Austin Jones (RB – Second leading rushers), Tahj Washinton (WR – Leading receiver), Mason Cobb (LB – Leading tackler), Solomon Byrd (DE – Leader in sacks), Christian Roland-Wallace, (CB – Leader in INTs)
Third Down: What to watch for?
How does Louisville deal with the loss of star skill position players?
Not for one second do I blame stars Jawhar Jordan and Jamari Thrash for doing what is best for themselves, which in this case is sitting out to prepare for their future careers. It would be great to have both guys against one of the worst defenses Louisville’s faced in a while, but considering just that, the rest of the horses in the stable should be ready for a field day. Look for senior running back Isaac Guerendo and sophomore Maurice Turner to receive a heavy work load, with Guerendo leading the way. As far as the passing game goes, Jack Plummer has done a nice job of adjusting to not having Thrash at 100%, which is why him getting guys like Kevin Coleman, AHB, Chris Bell, Nate Kurisky, Joey Gatewood, and even Jimmy Calloway/Jadon Thompson to get every opportunity for their moment. That USC defense has been HORRIBLE, and I mean HORRRRRRRIBLE this year and I expect nothing less tonight – which means any of the players mentioned above could be in line for massive games.
Can Louisville’s pass rush make things difficult for the inexperienced backup QB
There’s a reason why just about every power 5 program in America was after four-star, top 125 recruit Miller Moss coming out of high school in 2021. He ultimately chose USC and has been behind Caleb Williams ever since, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t capable. There’s not much yet in terms of tape, but Moss is a QB with the ability to hurt you with his arm and legs. With Lincoln Riley still on the sidelines expect for them to do everything in their power to get Moss comfortable and connecting with star weapons Washington and Zacariah Branch. Knowing that Moss is inexperienced and is playing without several key weapons I expect Ron English and company to turn the pressure up. Ashton Gillotte, Mason Reiger, Stephen Herron, and the entire defensive line will be out there for the Cards and because of it, I believe the Cards will lean on experience and try to get Moss running for his life. Be careful though as we’ve seen Louisville be susceptible to big runs up the middle after the play breaks down. That could lead to big plays with Moss’ legs as well as from capable backs like Jones and receivers Washington & Branch.
Who has a breakout game?
Every year one or two guys who you wouldn’t necessarily expect step up and have “big” moments during the bowl games (aka glorified exhibitions). Last year we saw big games from guys like Mo Turner, Jaelin Carter, Brock Domann and Jack Reiger. In years past its been backups, special teams players, walk-ons, etc. who have taken advantage of opt-outs, injuries, transfers, and other player movement. This year, I expect the same. On offense, I’m looking for someone like Jadon Thompson or Joey Gatewood to have a break out game. On defense, I’m watching Jared Dawson, Stanquan Clark, Jack Reiger (he comes alive for the bowl games) and are you ready for this….? EVAN CONLEY (jump pass on the goal line? Sign me up)
Jack Plummer swansong
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.
Pretty accurate description of what the year has been like with Jack Plummer at the helm. We have the big game winning plays like the 73 yard TD against Virginia, the steady performance against #10 Notre Dame and more that helped to get Louisville to its first ever ACC Championship game. We also have the boneheaded INTs in the red zone, the Pittsburgh game, the Indiana second half, the Georgia Tech fist half, and plenty of other moments that drove almost all Louisville football fans CRAZY. Going up against a former Pac-12 foe in San Diego seems fitting for the potential Plummer swan song, but what makes it even more likely is the Top Gun connections. Plummer was built for this moment and I am really expecting a big game. USC’s pass defense has been pretty darn bad (look at the points allowed this year), and if that’s not something Plummer can take advantage of it won’t be the ending we all hope for. Book it – 250+ passing yards, 2+ TD and 1 or less turnovers with Plummer getting to sit on the bench in the 4th quarter.
Fourth Down: Predictions
** Predicting score, first TD Scorer, leading receiver
Vincent Lococo: 48-21 Louisville, Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman
Matt McGavic: 42-28 Louisville, Nate Kurisky, Ahmari Huggins-Bruce
Jacob Lane: 35-20 Louisville, Isaac Guerendo, Kevin Coleman
Pres Meyer: 49-38 Louisville, Nate Kurisky, AHB
11 wins loading.
Let’s Go Cards.
