Louisville, Ky – The University of Louisville football team is gearing up for an exciting end to their historic 10-win season as they prepare to face the University of Southern California in the DirectTV Holiday Bowl. This will be the first-ever meeting between the Cardinals and the Trojans, adding to the anticipation surrounding this matchup. The game will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
Tickets to the general public are currently on sale through the Holiday Bowl via Ticketmaster, with prices starting as low as $94. Fans are eager to witness this clash between two renowned football programs.
The University of Southern California comes into this game with a 7-5 record, finishing the regular season with a three-game losing streak. Led by quarterback Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, the Trojans have a formidable offense. Williams has had an impressive season, throwing for 3,633 yards and 30 touchdowns. Wide receiver Tahj Washington has been a key target for Williams, recording 52 catches for 963 yards and six touchdowns. Running back MarShawn Lloyd has also made significant contributions, rushing for 820 yards and nine touchdowns.
On the other side, the Louisville Cardinals, led by head coach Jeff Brohm, have experienced a resurgence this season. Under Brohm’s guidance, the team made their first appearance in the ACC title game, narrowly falling to No. 5 Florida State. This 10-win season marks a significant milestone for the Cardinals, as it is their first since 2013.
Running back Jawhar Jordan and quarterback Jack Plummer have been instrumental in the Cardinals’ offensive success, averaging 30.9 points per game. Jordan achieved the notable feat of rushing for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns, becoming the first Louisville running back to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in two years. Plummer, meanwhile, has thrown for 3,063 yards and 21 touchdowns, completing 63.5 percent of his passes. Wide receiver Jamari Thrash has been a reliable target for Plummer, recording 63 catches for 858 yards and six touchdowns.
Defensively, the Cardinals have been formidable, allowing just 19.7 points per game. They showcased their prowess in the ACC title game, holding Florida State to a mere 16 points. Ashton Gillotte, a first-team All-ACC defensive lineman, has been a standout player with 11.0 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss.
The Louisville Cardinals concluded the season ranked No. 16 in the final College Football Playoff selection committee rankings, as well as No. 16 in the AP Top 25 and No. 15 in the AFCA Coaches poll. They are ready to put on a show for their fans in their 26th bowl game appearance, looking to secure their 13th victory. Last season, they defeated Cincinnati 24-7 in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, and they hope to build on that success in this year’s Holiday Bowl.
With high-stakes competition and history in the making, the DirectTV Holiday Bowl promises to be an exhilarating matchup between the University of Louisville and the University of Southern California. Football fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating this clash of two powerhouse teams.
