Louisville football vs. Indiana: Jeff Brohm to face former Big Ten foe

Louisville football is off to its best start since 2017 with first-year head coach Jeff Brohm leading the charge. 

The Cardinals cleaned up some of their season-opening mistakes and used dominant performances from Jamari Thrash and Jawhar Jordan to beat Murray State in their home opener, 56-0. Next up is an Indiana team that suffered a lopsided loss to Ohio State to start the 2023 season but rebounded by beating Indiana State 41-7 in Week 2. 

The two schools were scheduled to play a three-game series — beginning with Saturday's meeting at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with a game at U of L in 2024 and concluding at IU in 2025. Based on public records, the schools are in negotiations to cancel the 2025 meeting at Memorial Stadium.

The three-game series was agreed to in 2015, before the Big Ten went to a nine-game conference schedule in 2017 and later announced it would add USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington ahead of the 2024 season.

Here are three story lines to watch ahead of Saturday's noon game between the Cardinals and Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium:

Jeff Brohm's success against Indiana

Brohm, and much of his current coaching staff, led Purdue to a 4-1 record in the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket during their time with the Boilermakers. 

The only year Purdue lost to Indiana under Brohm was in 2019 when the Hoosiers won 44-41 in overtime and the Boilermakers finished the season with a 4-8 record, the worst mark in Brohm’s tenure. 

Last season Purdue beat IU, 30-16. 

Now at Louisville, Brohm looks to continue that success. IU has a 2-0 series lead over U of L with both games being played in Bloomington, Indiana, during the 1985 and 1986 seasons. 

Brohm, Cards return to Lucas Oil Stadium

Just three weeks into the 2023 season, Brohm's Cardinals are set to play in a second NFL stadium. U of L opened its season by beating Georgia Tech 39-34 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium — home of the Atlanta Falcons.

Now, for the first time since 2017, U of L will play at the home of the Indianapolis Colts. Brohm, making his debut as Purdue's head coach, was on the other sideline for that game at Lucas Oil Stadium. U of L beat the Boilermakers, 35-28.

Former U of L quarterback Lamar Jackson — now with the Baltimore Ravens — helped ruin Brohm’s Purdue debut by throwing for 378 yards and two touchdowns while adding 107 rushing yards. 

Six years later, the Cardinals return to Indianapolis with Brohm hoping to be on the winning side this time. 

Louisville's versatility, playmakers on offense

U of L totaled 690 yards of total offense, ninth-most for a single game in program history, in its home opener against Murray State. With a balanced attack — 344 yards rushing and 346 passing — the Cardinals had 19 plays of 10 or more yards, including 10 that went at least 20 yards. 

U of L spread the wealth around to numerous skill players in the shutout.

Though Louisville was a heavy favorite against Murray State, the Cardinals showed versatility on offense. Thrash and Jordan have been the focal points in the first two games, but a number of other players have joined them in making big plays.

IU co-defensive coordinators Matt Guerrieri and Chad Wilt will have to pick their poison against a Louisville offense with multiple playmaking threats.  

Three Louisville players to watch 

Ben Perry, redshirt sophomore defensive back: After missing most of the season opener due to a targeting ejection, Perry was back in the lineup for Week 2 and tied as the Cardinals’ third-leading tackler (four). With U of L's defensive backfield down two starters, Perry’s on-the-field versatility and veteran leadership will be key moving forward. 

Jimmy Calloway, redshirt sophomore wide receiver: After misconnections with quarterback Jack Plummer in the opener, Calloway caught four passes on four targets for 37 yards against Murray State. The Tennessee transfer is expected to be one of U of L's key playmakers this season. He took a step toward that in Week 2. 

Isaac Guerendo, senior running back: Out to prove his versatility, Guerendo is improving as a pass catcher. Already a strong runner, he had 47 receiving yards against Murray State — including 39 that came after contact. The Wisconsin transfer also averaged 5.7 yards per carry against the Racers. 

Three Indiana players to watch 

Jaylin Lucas, sophomore running back: A year removed from All-American honors for his contributions as a kick returner, Lucas and his speed helped IU to its first win of the season by recording 88 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries against Indiana State.

Phillip Dunnam, sophomore defensive back: Dunnam led all tacklers (eight) for the Hoosiers in Week 2. He started the season by recording an interception against Ohio State in IU's opener. This Saturday, he'll be tasked with defending Louisville’s talented group of wide receivers. 

Andre Carter, sixth-year senior defensive lineman: The Western Michigan transfer displayed strong abilities off the edge and into the backfield with four tackles, including two for loss, and a sack against Indiana State. 

Louisville vs Indiana odds 

Louisville is a 10-point favorite over Indiana in the neutral site contest, according to the BetMGM college football odds.

How to watch Louisville vs Indiana football game

Who: Louisville (2-0) vs. Indiana (1-1)   

When: Noon Saturday, Sept. 16   

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Ind.

TV: Big Ten Network 

Radio: Paul Rogers (play-by-play) will call the game on Louisville Radio Network (93.9 FM and 970 AM).   

Streaming: Qualified subscribers can watch the game online at foxsports.com.

Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at @Alexis_Cubit.