Capping off year two under head coach Jeff Brohm with a showdown against Washington in the Sun Bowl, the Cardinals were able to withstand a furious fourth quarter comeback attempt, coming out on top with a thrilling 35-34 victory on Tuesday at Sun Bowl Stadium.

Louisville punter Brady Hodges said he opted out of the Sun Bowl this week because the Cardinals' NIL collective did not pay money promised to him in September.

This is the way sports media and social media work in 2024. (And I assume in 2025, too.) A former University of Louisville punter who did

Louisville’s Dylan Merman (87) celebrates their win against Washington in the 91st Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas. / GABY VELASQUEZ/ USA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Louisville vs Washington football prediction, odds and how to watch college football Sun Bowl game. Here's what to know about Louisville football.

The 5-foot-9, 190-pound Brown and the 6-0, 180-pound Watson have combined for 1,588 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns as true freshmen this season. Louisville also has three All-ACC honorable mention offensive linemen: left tackle Monroe Mills, left guard Michael Gonzalez and center Pete Nygra.

Louisville punter Brady Hodges said he opted out of the Sun Bowl this week because the Cardinals' NIL collective did not pay money promised to him in September. Hodges posted on social media during Tuesday's game against Washington in El Paso,