Louisville football secured its first win of the season on Saturday after the Cardinals dominated from start to finish, defeating Villanova, 59-13. The Cardinals now quickly turn their full attention to another top-25 showdown, as the Cards will face the No. 16 SMU Mustangs this Saturday inside L&N Stadium.
Louisville football vs SMU early odds and a prediction
Louisville is looking for its first win over SMU since joining the ACC, as the Cardinals are currently 0-2 in the past two seasons. SMU enters the game 2-0 with wins over Florida State and UC Davis, while the Cardinals will look to send a message and earn a huge top-25 win at home.
Louisville fans got good news on Monday, as Brohm provided an update on the Cardinals RB2 Keyjuan Brown.
Louisville RB gets big update ahead of key SMU showdown
Brown went down early in this past Saturday’s game and didn’t return in the second half, ending the game with just one carry for 12 yards. On Monday morning, Brohm gave an encouraging update on Brown, making it clear the star running back is “hopeful,” and he expects him to be back on the field for this massive game.
“I think, Keyjuan, we are hopeful he will be back for this Saturday’s game,” stated Brohm on Brown. “I am hopeful that will happen, and I will anticipate that it will happen.”
Brown is one of the key players in the Cardinals' elite running back room. Last year, he emerged as a star when Isaac Brown and Duke Watson went down with injuries, finishing the season averaging 7.3 yards per carry on 704 yards. In his final five games, Brown rushed for 94 yards or more, including his final three games where he rushed for 136, 135, and 112 yards.
So far in 2026, he has earned eight carries for 68 yards, including Week 1, when he rushed seven times for 56 yards against No. 9 Ole Miss.
Brown is a physical running back and a crucial part of the Cardinals' offense. He and Isaac are one of the top running back duos in the country, so to hear Brohm state he is “hopeful” and he “anticipates” Brown back on the field Sunday is a huge update for the Cardinals.
Louisville and SMU will go head-to-head this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. local time on ESPN 2. Brohm will look for this offense to stay red-hot against SMU, as the Cardinals are averaging 48.5 points per game and an impressive 552 total yards per game.
Louisville will need a big game from its running back room if they want to earn their first win over SMU, and Brown trending in the right direction to return is a great sign for the Cards.
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