BOCA RATON, FL – This year’s rendition of the Boca Raton Bowl featured more beans than usual but provided a unique contest between Louisville (ACC) and Toledo (MAC). While not exactly a David vs Goliath situation, the Rockets kept it close with the Cardinals for a while, until the Cardinals eventually pulled away for a 27-22 win.
A big question leading into the game was how Toledo could even keep up with Louisville. Despite both squads entering the game with 8-4 records, the Cardinals are a power conference team. They have marquee wins over a pair of CFP teams, James Madison and Miami. The Rockets are no pushover, but their strength of schedule in the MAC doesn’t quite add up.
A look at the hardware (and beans) for the winner of today's Boca Raton Bowl between the Louisville Cardinals and Toledo Rockets.🫘 pic.twitter.com/xxpH8ziEWA
— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) December 23, 2025
Still, they didn’t let Louisville walk all over them, even with an interim head coach. This game was a combination of a defensive stalemate and flagfest with penalties on Toledo. Ultimately, the Rockets ran out of gas, and the Cardinals earned this trophy that happened to be full of beans.
“Offensively, we did better in the second half, controlling the ball and running the football,” said the Head Coach of Louisville, Jeff Brohm. “But give (Toledo) credit, they fought hard and fought to the end and made the close game. But our guys, we’ve had games like this all year long, so I’m proud of them for staying together and playing to the end and just finding a way to win, and that’s the most important thing.”
Toledo Has A Big Problem
After the Cardinals scored a touchdown on their opening drive, it felt like a rout was about to begin. A near-flawless look on offense, Toledo managed to adjust on the fly. They didn’t allow another point the rest of the half, giving their offense enough chances to capitalize.
Bringing the pressure 😤#TeamToledo | @AveryDunn00 pic.twitter.com/7xrfJioU45
— Toledo Football (@ToledoFB) December 23, 2025
Unfortunately for Toledo, their offense couldn’t put up numbers similar to their defense. Under freshman quarterback (and third-stringer) Kalieb Osborne, the Rockets settled for a field goal on their second drive of the game. They then punted three times, resulting in a fumble. Toledo was also sloppy, committing eight in the first half alone.
Too Much Louisville To Handle
Miller Moss led Louisville’s offense the whole game and had mixed results. However, he got better as the game progressed alongside the rest of the offense. Coming out of halftime, he led a nine-play, 77-yard drive for their second touchdown of the day.
Toledo made things worse by being forced to punt the ball at the back of the end zone. They gave the Cardinals some premier field positioning at the 22-yard line, which they cashed in on with another touchdown five plays later.
To the credit of the Rockets, they didn’t give up. They scored 10 unanswered points to cut into the lead in the fourth quarter. While Louisville answered with a 53-yard rushing touchdown from Isaac Brown, the ensuing extra point attempt was clocked, and returned for two points to Toledo.
Massive fight has broken out between both teams with under two minutes to go
Cops had to get involved and refs are now discussing everything pic.twitter.com/DNa4AwwH8a
— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) December 23, 2025
Now down 27-16, the Rockets found the end zone one final time off an efficient six-play drive that left two minutes and 29 seconds on the clock. Toledo needed their defense to stop the Cardinals one final time. But that was a bit too much to ask. The Cardinals secured a few first downs on the ground (Along with a brawl involving both teams on Louisville’s bench) and held on for the win.
A Great Matchup With Added Beans
Moss wrapped up the game with 153 passing yards and two touchdowns, and was the Offensive MVP for the game. Louisville featured two 100-yard rushers, Keyjuan and Isaac Brown, with the latter scoring two touchdowns.
Despite the pressure, Osborne was up to the task. He wrapped up with 167 yards passing and another 108 on the ground. Toledo was ultimately bested by itself, thanks in part to three turnovers and 14 penalties for 100 lost yards.
For Louisville, a fun season is wrapped up with a fun Postseason win. Their coach, Jeff Brohm, has been in talks about accepting the coaching job at Michigan, but nothing is confirmed as of now. They spent some time in the AP Top 25 this season, but a 4-4 record in the ACC denied them a chance at the conference championship.
As winners of the Boca Raton Bowl, Louisville celebrated by eating baked beans out of the trophy 🫘🏆
Only in college football… pic.twitter.com/ZKhf1S1rca
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 23, 2025
As for Toledo, they’ll head to next season looking to bounce back. They’ll have a new head coach in Mike Jacobs, who previously coached at Mercer. Toledo was one of the top teams in the MAC and one conference win away from a spot in the championship game this season. That will likely be their top goal next season under new leadership.
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