College Football: Brian Brohm, of Louisville, Makes a Case for the Heisman Trophy

Brian Brohm started the 2007 season as one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy. In an effort to make true on that potential, the 6-4, 228 lbs Senior from the University of Louisville, who is currently viewed as a potential first round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, got off to a quick start this year when he posted huge offensive numbers in wins against Murray State and Middle Tennessee.

In those two early season victories, the talented passer tossed 9 TDs while passing for over 375 yards in each contest. But those early victories were followed by two close loses at the hands of Kentucky and Syracuse. In the Kentucky match, Louisville came in as the 9^th ranked team in the nation and lost a hotly contested game. Favored to win against its state rival, the Cardinals hopes were dashed when Kentucky QB Andre Woodson threw a touchdown pass with less than 30 seconds left on the clock. Yet even in a shocking loss, Brohm had a decent game. Showing outstanding leadership skills, Brian led the Cardinals on an 84 yard drive late in the 4^th quarter that had gave Louisville a temporary 34-33 lead. Brian ended the game with good numbers, hitting on 28 out of 43 passes for 366 yards and two TDs.

Syracuse, next on the schedule, should have been an even easier victory. Louisville entered the game favored by more than 36 points, and their opponent's defense was ranked among the lowest in the NCAA. But when Syracuse jumped out to a 21-7 lead, Brohm was forced to pass early and often. The effort was a heroic one, as the Louisville passer threw for a career high 555 yards, while completing 45 out of 65 passes. In the end, the gaudy passing numbers were not enough to elevate his team above Syracuse, and once again, Louisville ended up on the losing end of a close game (35-38).