Louisville runs at Georgia Tech's weak defense in Saturday matchup
Cardinals average 225.1 rushing yards per game against a team that surrenders 219.3, creating a stark offensive mismatch.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Louisville enters Saturday's game against Georgia Tech with a rushing offense that ranks ninth in the nation while facing a run defense that sits last in the country. The Cardinals average 225.1 rushing yards per game. The Yellow Jackets allow 219.3 yards per game on the ground. This statistical gap defines the primary tactical battle of the contest.
Head coach Jeff Brohm handed offensive control to his brother Brian a few weeks ago. Brian Brohm has pushed the pace since taking over play-calling duties. Louisville scored 52 points against Stanford last week, their highest total against an FBS opponent in over three years. Isaac Brown scored four touchdowns in that game, becoming the first Cardinals player to achieve that feat since Lamar Jackson in 2016.
Brown averages 7.7 yards per carry and has rushed for 707 yards with seven touchdowns this season. His ability to break runs for long gains tests defenses that struggle to contain speed. Brian Brohm noted that Brown can take any basic run play to the end zone. The Cardinals have scored at least four rushing touchdowns in three straight games, a streak not matched since 2004.
Georgia Tech's defensive struggles are not limited to the run. The Yellow Jackets have allowed 30.8 points per game, ranking 116th nationally. Their last three opponents have scored 34, 49, and 34 points. Louisville's defense has also faced issues with explosive plays, ranking 131st in passing yards allowed at 269 per game. Stanford hit Louisville with touchdown passes of 41, 75, and 40 yards last week.
Jeff Brohm attributed those long passes to individual breakdowns in assignment and communication. The staff has spent weeks working on fundamentals to prevent single missed angles from turning into long scores. Louisville must manage these defensive lapses while traveling to Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta for the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
The Yellow Jackets are 2-6 overall and 1-4 in the ACC. They are trying to avoid their first four-game losing streak under head coach Brent Key. Key's teams have been competitive at home, winning 12 of their last 16 games at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech is 8-1 against nationally ranked ACC opponents this season, including a win over Duke.
Louisville is 5-3 overall and 4-2 in the ACC, currently tied for third in the conference standings. The Cardinals have won three consecutive games. This game marks the first of three road contests in Louisville's final four games. A win would secure Louisville's 100th career victory as a head coach. Jeff Brohm has won 30 games at Western Kentucky, 36 at Purdue, and 33 at Louisville.
Georgia Tech faces injury challenges, having lost 82 player-games to injuries in five ACC contests. Their special teams unit remains a threat, ranking 13th in kickoff returns and 22nd in punt returns. Louisville's punt returner Jackson Voth has shown improved hands and yardage in recent weeks. The betting line favors Louisville by 14.5 points with a total of 62.5.
