Louisville, Ky. — Despite dealing with injuries to key offensive players, Louisville found plenty of firepower on Saturday, defeating Bowling Green 40-17 at L&N Stadium to stay unbeaten at 3-0 on the season.
With starting running back Isaac Brown and top wide receiver Chris Bell limited, and backup RB Duke Watson sidelined, the Cardinals leaned on their depth — and it delivered in a big way.
Keyjuan Brown, a redshirt sophomore buried on the depth chart, stepped into the spotlight, rushing 12 times for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Caullin Lacy, who transferred from South Alabama last season, had a career day with 268 all-purpose yards, including a 75-yard punt return touchdown and eight receptions for 97 yards — his highest totals in a Louisville uniform.
“We’re fortunate to have so many guys capable of stepping up,” said quarterback Miller Moss, who went 23-of-32 for 316 passing yards. “That showed today.”
Early Defense, Special Teams Swing Momentum
Louisville’s defense made sure the game started on the right foot, intercepting Bowling Green QB Drew Pyne twice in the first half — both picks coming inside the Cardinals’ 50-yard line. The turnovers helped Louisville jump out to a 21-3 halftime lead.
Pyne, who finished with 131 passing yards and a late touchdown, struggled to find rhythm under pressure, though his offensive line held up well against a Louisville defense that came into the game with 10 sacks in its first two outings.
Photo Credit:Leroy Daniels Jr.
Bowling Green Finds a Silver Lining
Though the scoreboard wasn’t flattering, Bowling Green (2-2) found some positives — notably, their season-high 190 rushing yards and a much-improved effort in pass protection.
Backup quarterback Lucian Anderson III provided a spark in the fourth quarter with a 75-yard touchdown run, the longest play of the game for the Falcons.
“We knew the trenches would be tough,” said head coach Eddie George. “We wanted Drew [Pyne] to get the ball out quickly, and I thought the offensive line did a solid job.”
Special Teams Shine for Louisville
In what’s becoming a trend, Louisville’s special teams unit played a pivotal role. Lacy’s punt return was his second touchdown return of 75+ yards this season, making him the first Cardinal in history to do so. Kicker Nick Keller added a bit of history as well, drilling a school-record 57-yard field goal late in the third quarter.
Cooper Ranvier, in his Louisville debut, went 3-for-3 on field goals, becoming the first player in program history to make his first six career attempts.
“Special teams are giving us a real edge right now,” said head coach Jeff Brohm. “That’s been a big part of our success.”
Missed Opportunities Keep Score Closer Than Performance
Despite outgaining Bowling Green 452 to 321, Louisville left points on the board, settling for four field goals on five second-half scoring drives. The Cardinals also struggled on third downs, converting just 4 of 11 attempts, including 2-for-7 in the second half.
“We left some plays out there,” Brohm admitted. “But I’m proud of how the guys responded with so many injuries.”
What’s Next:
Bowling Green hits the road again next week to take on Ohio.
Louisville travels to Pittsburgh for a key road matchup in ACC play.
