BOCA RATON, FL — A zany, pun-filled bowl game was the comedic relief that Louisville football needed after an inconsistent and, at times, head-scratching 2025 season.
A bountiful supply of baked beans and bean paraphernalia was at the team’s disposal leading up to the Boca Raton Bowl, sponsored by Bush’s Baked Beans, on Tuesday.
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Literal comedian Keegan-Michael Key, whose iconic football parody from Key and Peele is still circulating on social media, was the bowl spokesperson.
But even the relaxed environment and warmer weather in December couldn’t relieve UofL of the same problems it’s had all year. The Cardinals’ offense was up-and-down while the defense held up in the 27-22 win over Toledo at Flagler Credit Union Stadium. The two teams combined for 32 points in the fourth quarter after only scoring 10 in the first half.
With many of the running backs in doubt, Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown were back and helped to provide a spark for the Cards’ offense, combining for214 rushing yards and two touchdowns. But the only Duke represented on the field was the Bush’s dog mascot, whose face and tail comprised the coin for the flip. Running back Duke Watson was out of the game with an injury.
Keyjuan Brown got the start and opened the game with a 31-yard run. The drive ended with Miller Moss’ 17-yard touchdown pass to TreyShun Hurry. But the offense stalled after that for the rest of the half. A missed field goal, fumble and an inability to convert on third down kept the Cardinals from getting any more points against Toledo’s defense, which ranks No. 2 among FBS teams.
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Keyjuan Brown and Isaac Brown then ignited the offense in the second half, helping the Cardinals take a 21-3 lead. Keyjuan had three straight runs for 27 yards to set up Moss’ 5-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Meeks, and Isaac ran in an 11-yard touchdown on the next drive at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Although the Cards didn’t score much in the first half, Toledo didn’t, either. The Rockets were held to a 41-yard field goal at the end of the first quarter. Three of their four drives in the second quarter were three-and-outs for 48 total yards.
Toledo freshman quarterback Kalieb Osborne spoiled the Cardinals’ second-half shutout with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Petersen. Chip Trayanum then ran in the 2-point conversion after a defensive holding penalty for the 21-11 score five minutes into the final quarter.
Even after UofL lost one of its leaders in defensive lineman Clev Lubin, who was called for targeting with 7:53 left in the game, the unit held strong. Micah Carter sacked Osborne on the next play, but the Rockets still came away with points during the drive via a 50-yard field goal.
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In true cardiac Cardinals fashion, the game was wacky until the end. Isaac Brown’s 53-yard rushing touchdown was followed by eight Toledo points. That included Avery Smith blocking the extra point after Isaac’s score and running it back for the safety and 27-22 Louisville advantage.
Tempers later flared while Louisville ate up the final 2 minutes, 24 seconds, with a brawl breaking out on the Cardinals’ sideline. Both teams were called for unsportsmanlike conduct once the dust settled, and the Cardinals kneeled out the final 1:27.
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 football Boca Raton Bowl showing vs Toledo captured season
