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.

Louisville defeated Washington in a wild Sun Bowl shootout, 35-34, to finish a 9-4 campaign. In the transfer portal era, this is undoubtedly not what the Cardinals want out in the public eye, as incoming potential players might not want to negotiate with the school if they don’t stay true to their word.

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

Before its meltdown against Stanford on Nov. 16, Louisville reasonably had conference championship aspirations.

EL PASO, Texas — The University of Louisville football team will take the field for the final time this season in Tuesday's Sun Bowl, and it'll do so with a new quarterback.

The Louisville vs. Washington game will be televised nationally on CBS. The Sun Bowl kicks off at its traditional time of noon, Mountain. Analyst Gary Danielson will be calling his 17th Sun Bowl from the booth, alongside play-by-play broadcaster Brad Nessler. Jenny Dell is the sideline reporter.

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,