Louisville dominates Cincinnati in Fenway Bowl to retain Keg of Nails

BOSTON — Deion Branch has plenty of fond memories from his time in Boston with the New England Patriots.

The former Louisville wide receiver, who came back to the school in January to be the director of player development, added another Boston memory Saturday when he became the first Super Bowl MVP to coach in a bowl game. Branch’s head coaching record now stands at 1-0 after the Cardinals ran to a 24-7 win over Cincinnati in the Fenway Bowl to end the year.

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Led by linebacker Monty Montgomery — named the Fenway Bowl defensive MVP — Louisville's defense was in peak form, smothering Cincinnati's offense all day. And the offense produced 287 rushing yards and two scores on 49 carries — running back Jawhar Jordan was named offensive MVP after rushing for two touchdowns — while QB Brock Domann was steady under center, going 10 of 18 for 92 yards, a TD and an interception.

Branch's one-game commitment to coach the Keg of Nails rivalry contest will end on a high note as the program will now be turned over to new head coach Jeff Brohm. He’ll have plenty of positive momentum going into the offseason as the Cardinals close out an up-and-down 2022 season with an 8-5 record.

Alexis Cubit can be reached at acubit@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Alexis_Cubit.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville football dominates Cincinnati in Fenway Bowl