Louisville Faces Kentucky Without Moss and Bell After Week 13 Collapse

The Louisville football team’s 2025 season hit a rough patch in Week 13, falling 38-6 to SMU and dropping to 7-4. The Cardinals were without starting quarterback Miller Moss due to injury, marking their third consecutive defeat after opening the season 7-1. Louisville’s once-promising campaign now appears out of reach in the ACC standings.

The Cardinals were previously in contention for the ACC title game, but losses to California, Clemson, and now SMU have left them behind seven other teams. With the ACC Championship out of reach, the focus shifts to closing the season on a high note.

Compounding Louisville’s struggles, the team received confirmation that star wide receiver Chris Bell will miss the final game against Kentucky. Bell, the team’s leading receiver, suffered a leg injury during the SMU contest, further weakening an already depleted offense.

Head coach Jeff Brohm also indicated that Miller Moss remains questionable, suggesting the possibility of multiple quarterbacks seeing action against Kentucky. Louisville will need depth and resilience to salvage the season in the Governor’s Cup matchup.

1. SMU Loss and Season Slide

The loss to SMU was Louisville’s most lopsided defeat in recent weeks, a 38-6 setback that underscored the team’s offensive struggles. Without Miller Moss, the Cardinals were unable to sustain drives or create big plays, leaving the team struggling to score points. The defeat extended a losing streak to three games, erasing much of the momentum Louisville built during its 7-1 start. While the early-season performance generated ACC title hopes, the team’s midseason slide has left it outside the conference championship picture. Defensive lapses also contributed to the defeat, as SMU was able to exploit gaps and score consistently throughout the contest. Louisville’s inability to respond effectively highlighted the challenges the team faces without its key offensive leaders. The Week 13 loss confirmed that Louisville is no longer a serious contender in the ACC, and attention now turns to finishing the season strongly and preparing for offseason evaluations and adjustments.

2. Chris Bell’s Injury and Offensive Challenges

Chris Bell, Louisville’s leading receiver with 72 catches for 917 yards and six touchdowns, suffered a leg injury in the third quarter against SMU. The setback ended his streak of productive games and ruled him out for the season finale. Bell had previously posted three consecutive 100-yard games earlier this season, but managed only 46 yards in the SMU loss. His absence leaves a significant void in the Cardinals’ passing attack, making it harder for the offense to generate explosive plays. Without Bell, Louisville will rely on secondary receivers and tight ends to step up. The team’s ability to adjust its offensive game plan will be tested, particularly if Moss remains sidelined. Coach Jeff Brohm confirmed Bell’s status and highlighted the need for other players to contribute in his absence. The Cardinals’ offensive balance will be crucial to avoid a demoralizing end to the season.

3. Quarterback Uncertainty and Governor’s Cup Outlook

Miller Moss is also questionable for the matchup against Kentucky, leaving the quarterback situation uncertain. Brohm indicated that multiple players could see snaps, reflecting the team’s need to adapt under challenging circumstances. The uncertainty at quarterback complicates preparation for the Governor’s Cup. Kentucky presents a competitive rivalry environment, and Louisville must manage injuries while trying to end the season on a positive note. Backup quarterbacks and alternative offensive packages will likely play a prominent role. The team will need to execute cleanly and limit turnovers to remain competitive. Despite the setbacks, Louisville players will aim to finish strong in front of fans and set the tone for offseason growth. A competitive performance against Kentucky could provide momentum and confidence for returning players in 2026.