Louisville's Brohm updates opt-outs, injuries, preparations ahead of Boca Bowl

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – As Louisville football prepares for its Dec. 23 matchup with Toledo in the Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans, head coach Jeff Brohm confirmed Tuesday that two defensive starters have opted out and several others remain game-time decisions.

Defensive linemen Rene Konga and Wesley Bailey, both regular starters and key contributors up front, have opted out of the bowl game, Brohm said. A handful of others, particularly at running back, remain questionable due to injuries, though Brohm said he’s “hopeful that one of the three” could return, with final decisions likely not coming until game time.

Still, Brohm said the team has had strong practices since returning to the field last Wednesday.

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“It’s important that we finish strong,” he said. “We came ready to play the last game, which was great, and it’s important we do that again.”

Quarterback Miller Moss, who returned to lead the Cards past Kentucky in the Governor’s Cup, said he’s fully healthy and plans to play in what will be his final college game. He called the opportunity to finish with his teammates “a blessing” and said his play has always been to play if he’s healthy.

Defensive end Clev Lubin, another expected starter in Boca, echoed that sentiment.

“You never know when this football thing ends,” Moss said. “You invest so much time with this group, you want to finish it the right way.”

Brohm said he hopes that Louisville’s losses are minimal when the transfer portal opens after the first of the year, but said he does anticipate some departures, as always. Defensive back Dash McCullough already has announced an intention to transfer and quarterback Brady Allen is expected to be on the move.

“We have honest conversations,” Brohm said. “You know, anyone who wants to opt out, we talk to them. You know, in my opinion, unless you're first round or maybe a second-round pick, it's not in your best interest to opt out. But other people may think different, and we respect the decision, and we had those conversations with our guys. And in the transfer portal, it’s up to them. We didn't invent the rule. There's obviously changes that we would love to have to it in the future to make it better, but it's a part of the game.

So, for us, I think if you can be honest with your players, tell them where they stand, be up front with them, show them a plan for them for the future. They'll want to come back. You know what? Sometimes there'll be other factors that go into it, and it may work out. It may not work out. We'll do the best job we can and try to be as fair as we can.”

Louisville will hold its final practice Thursday before departing Friday for Florida. The Boca Bowl kicks off at 2 p.m. ET next Tuesday on ESPN, with the Cardinals (8-4) facing an 8-4 Toledo team that ranks among the national leaders in total defense.