2023 Louisville Cardinals: Quick Reaction and Team Update

Tonight’s missed opportunity is undeniable. Despite the other team being undefeated, national championship caliber, and filled with talent and depth at multiple positions, the fact remains that a third string QB outplayed our starter for the conference crown.

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Despite the fresh loss in the ACC Championship, it’s important to gain perspective. While a win tonight would have been monumental, the season’s achievements shouldn’t be overshadowed. It’s time to reflect on what Louisville has accomplished in the first year under a new coaching staff.

The Record

• Jeff Brohm winning 10 games in his first season has never been done by any other first year coach in the history of the program.
• Jeff Brohm taking Louisville to the conference championship in his first season has never been done by any other first year coach in the history of the program.
• Louisville has only won 10 games seven (7!) times in the history of the program.
• Louisville went undefeated at home (4-0) in the ACC for the first time since 2016, and only the second time ever.
• Louisville won seven or more conference games for only the fourth time in program history (2004, 2013, 2016, 2023).

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The Statistics

• Plummer went for over 275 yards passing four times this year, something that has only happened once (2020) since Lamar left.
• Louisville had six games with a running back going for over 100yds, the first time since 2019 we’ve seen that happen.
• The Cards averaging 33.0pt/g during the regular season is the highest point total average since 2019.
• The Cards will likely finish the season in the Top 25 in scoring defense, rushing defense, and total defense.
• Louisville scored more than 30 points eight times this year, more than any season since Lamar Jackson roamed the sideline.

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

The Accomplishments

• The program had its first ACC Championship game appearance.
• Louisville had two Top 25 wins in 2023, the most since 2006.
• The Cards were ranked in the AP Top 25 for 9 weeks, the first time they have been ranked that many weeks since 2016.
• The Cards were ranked in the College Football Playoff for 5 weeks, the first time since 2016 they have been ranked that many times.
• The Cards broke the stadium attendance record for L&N Cardinal Stadium this season…twice (ND/UK).
• The Cards took home the inaugural ‘Schnellenberger Trophy’
• Louisville had four come from behind wins in 2023, more than any other season in over a decade.

Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In conclusion, Louisville exceeded expectations in the first year under Jeff Brohm. While the postseason destination is still unknown, the accomplishments of this year are not typical but could become the norm in the near future.

Goodnight, from Charlotte.

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