The Louisville Cardinals celebrated a significant victory over Virginia Tech on October 28, 2023, but the triumph was overshadowed by a potential injury to star running back Isaac Brown. Following the game, head coach Jeff Brohm disclosed that Brown “might be out for a little while” due to a leg injury sustained late in the match.
Brown’s injury occurred with 5:47 remaining in the game while he was attempting to run out of bounds. The injury appeared to be non-contact as he fell to the ground near the Virginia Tech sideline. Although he managed to walk back to the Louisville sideline under his own power, he was noticeably favoring his leg.
Despite the injury, Brown’s performance was noteworthy. He ended the game with 126 rushing yards and a touchdown, marking his fifth game this season with over 100 rushing yards. Louisville ultimately secured a 28-16 victory, improving their season record.
Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 190 pounds, Brown has faced injury challenges throughout the season but has still delivered impressive statistics. In eight games, he has amassed 778 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 91 carries, along with 11 receptions for an average of 4.2 yards. Prior to the game against Virginia Tech, his average of 8.7 yards per carry was the highest in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) among players with at least 50 rushing attempts.
The Miami-native is coming off a standout true freshman year, having played in all 13 games and starting nine. Last season, he rushed for 1,173 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors. He was also recognized as the ACC Offensive and Overall Rookie of the Year, along with being named a Freshman All-American by PFF and 247Sports.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will return to L&N Stadium on November 8, 2023, for a clash with the California Golden Bears. The kickoff is scheduled for 19:00 EST, and fans will be eager to see how the team adjusts in Brown’s potential absence.
The news surrounding Brown’s injury serves as a reminder of the physical toll football can take on players, particularly those in key positions. As the season progresses, both the coaching staff and fans will closely monitor his recovery and the impact on the team’s performance.
