Louisville football is set to open Year 2 under Jeff Brohm by hosting Austin Peay at noon Saturday at L&N Stadium.
The Cardinals haven't opened a season at home since 2020 when they defeated Western Kentucky, 35-21. U of L went on to lose its next four games, a trend the squad hopes not to repeat in 2024. This year's squad has a large group of returners that will look to help the team return to the ACC championship game. The Cardinals also added key pieces from the transfer portal.
Louisville has some time before jumping into conference play Sept. 21 against Georgia Tech and doesn't open the season with a league opponent for the first time since 2021.
Here are three things to watch ahead of Louisville's 2024 season opener:
The Cardinals lost most of their offensive starters during the offseason, including quarterback Jack Plummer and running back Jawhar Jordan . Some positions have officially been filled, while other players are competing for starting spots heading into the season opener. Texas Tech transfer quarterback Tyler Shough was given the keys to the offense almost right away, but the competition to replace Jordan was ongoing throughout fall camp.
Despite the new faces, U of L's offense is expected to take another step forward this season. The returners have had a year to learn Brohm's system, which will help the head coach to delve deeper into his playbook beginning Saturday.
As of Monday afternoon, Ahmari Huggins-Bruce is not back on Louisville's team.
When asked about Huggins-Bruce, Brohm said the one-time Cardinal was not on the roster "as of right now."
"Right now I'm probably (going to) just talk about people that are on our roster," Brohm said. "So we'll just have to leave it at that for this current moment."
Rumors of Huggins- Bruce's return began to swirl last Tuesday. The wide receiver left Louisville for South Carolina during the offseason, but he confirmed his departure from the Gamecocks on Friday morning via X, formerly Twitter. From there, all signs pointed to him coming back to Louisville — where he began his college career.
Although Huggins-Bruce wasn't a full-time starter for Brohm last season, he could get that opportunity now after Kevin Coleman transferred to Ole Miss and South Alabama transfer Caullin Lacy is out for an extended time with a collarbone injury.
While Louisville will have a new look on offense, almost everything will be new for Austin Peay. Saturday's meeting is the first in football between the Governors and Cardinals. Austin Peay's new head coach is Jeff Faris , who replaced Scotty Walden in December. Faris has an ACC background, serving as an assistant coach under David Cutcliffe at Duke (2012-21). He faced Louisville twice during that time (2016 and 2021) and lost both contests by a combined score of 86-36.
The Governors also had a nearly complete roster overhaul, losing 20 starters but bringing in 35 transfers and 21 freshmen.
Tyler Shough, senior quarterback: For the third consecutive year, Louisville will have a new starting quarterback. Shough has received high praise from his coaches and teammates. He is scheduled to make his official debut as a Cardinal against Austin Peay.
Ashton Gillotte, senior defensive lineman: It will be up to Gillotte, an Associated Press preseason All-American, to set the tone for the defense.
M.J. Griffin, redshirt senior safety: Griffin hasn't taken the field in more than a year. Expectations are high for his return.
Hosea Knifeley Jr., graduate defensive lineman: The Butler High School graduate is one of the Governors' defensive leaders. Knifeley was one of two Austin Peay players to be named to the preseason All-UAC team and the only one of the team's top 10 tacklers back from 2023.
Braxton Hicks, graduate wide receiver: After spending four years at Georgia, Hicks transferred to Austin Peay this season. His experience can help the Governors, who have a completely new WR room this season.
La'Vell Wright, graduate running back: Another local product, the North Hardin High School graduate came to Austin Peay this season after spending four years at Kentucky. An injury kept him off the field in 2023, but he totaled 130 yards on 39 carries in 13 games played as a redshirt freshman in 2022.
Louisville is a 36 ½-point favorite against Austin Peay, according to the DraftKings college football odds .
WANNA BET? Top Kentucky sportsbooks and sports betting apps reviewed
Who: Louisville (0-0) vs. Austin Peay (0-0)
When: Noon Saturday, Aug. 31
Where: L&N Stadium
TV: ACC Network
Radio: The game will be broadcast on Louisville Radio Network (93.9 FM and 970 AM).
Streaming: Qualified subscribers can watch the game at espn.com/watch .
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville vs Austin Peay football first look: Odds, keys to game, players to watch, more
Local Louisville, KY
Most Popular
Comments / 0