LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — It’s a first-time meeting, but the storylines run deep. When Louisville hosts Bowling Green on Saturday, it’ll mark a reunion of football lives that first crossed in 1992 — a Jeff Brohm breakout performance at quarterback for U of L, and Eddie George’s collegiate debut for Ohio State. Now they meet as head coaches, with both teams off to 2-0 starts in 2025.
Bowling Green brings a ground-first mentality and some playmakers on defense, but the Cardinals counter with a top-10 defense and explosive skill position threats. Coming off a bye week, Louisville looks to sharpen its attack before heading into ACC play.
George rushed once for three yards and a touchdown in that 1992 game, Brohm went 22-30 for 230 yards and a TD in a losing effort. A two-point conversion pass failed late, and Ohio State held on to win 2019. Brohm did out pass OSU’s quarterback, Kirk Herbstreit, by 50 yards.
Four years later, they would meet in the NFL, with George a running back for the Houston Oilers, and Brohm coming on in relief of the injured Steve Young just three plays into the game for the San Francisco 49ers. It would be Brohm’s finest NFL performance, completing 19-30 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown to lead the 49ers to a 10-9 win. The TD pass was the only one in Brohm’s NFL career.
Some things to know about this year’s matchup:
The Time
Noon ET Saturday, Sept. 20, L&N Stadium (60,800), Louisville
How to Watch / Listen
TV: ACC Network (Chris Cotter play-by-play; Max Browne analyst; Kendra Douglas sideline). Streaming: ESPN app (available with TV provider login)
Radio: 93.9 FM The Ville, WGTK 970 AM (Paul Rogers play-by-play; Craig Swabek analyst; Jody Demling sideline). Streaming: ESPN Louisville app. Satellite Radio: Sirius XM 193 • Internet 983.
The Line
Spread: Louisville is a 26.5-point favorite (DraftKings). Over/Under: 53.5
Notes: This is just Louisville’s third game vs. the MAC in the past 20 years. Brohm was 1-1 straight up and against the spread against the MAC at Purdue. Bowling Green won its last meeting with an ACC team, beating Georgia Tech 38-27 as a 21-point underdog in 2023. Bowling Green has covered four straight regular-season games against Power 4 opponents.
