Louisville football faces a significant challenge today as they take on No. 6 Miami at noon. The Cardinals aim to carry the momentum from a last-minute victory over Virginia into their matchup against the undefeated Hurricanes, who feature Heisman Trophy candidate Cam Ward. Last year, Louisville emerged victorious against Miami with a score of 38-31.
After experiencing two setbacks, Louisville made crucial adjustments on both offense and defense in their game against Virginia, and they are determined to improve further this week.
Isaiah Horton caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Cam Ward, allowing Miami to regain the lead. The crowd reacted with discontent when Louisville’s Ashton Gillotte appeared to be held, enabling Ward to throw a 63-yard pass to Xavier Restrepo, setting up a key play near the Louisville 5-yard line.
Ja’Corey Brooks made a 21-yard touchdown reception from Tyler Shough, allowing Louisville to tie the game after trailing by 14 in under 90 seconds. Additionally, Caullin Lacy returned a kick 100 yards for a touchdown, marking an impressive moment for the Cardinals—the first such return since Jahwar Jordan in the 2021 First Responders Bowl.
Miami’s Cam Ward connected with Xavier Restrepo on a 9-yard touchdown pass during the second half’s opening drive, marking the first time this season that Louisville’s defense conceded a score in the third quarter.
Unfortunately for Louisville, tight end Jamari Johnson is doubtful to return after suffering a lower right leg injury late in the second quarter. The redshirt freshman had two catches for 18 yards but had to leave the game after being helped off the field.
Brock Travelstead successfully kicked a 22-yard field goal as the first half came to a close, after Louisville advanced 65 yards in just 54 seconds. Despite a promising drive, they opted for a field goal instead of going for a touchdown with only three seconds remaining.
Miami linebacker Raul Aguirre Jr. scored after recovering a fumble in the end zone, following a holding penalty on Louisville that forced them back to their own 3-yard line.
Tyler Shough later completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mark Redman, concluding a 75-yard drive, while Samuel Brown caught a 49-yard touchdown pass from Ward early in the second quarter, extending Miami’s lead.
The Hurricanes’ quarterback then found Jacolby George for a 27-yard touchdown pass, wrapping up a five-play, 70-yard scoring drive. After Miami’s touchdown, Louisville honored former quarterback Teddy Bridgewater by retiring his No. 5 jersey.
Freshman running back Isaac Brown provided a response with a 43-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead for the Cardinals, while Miami’s kicker Andres Borregales hit a long 55-yard field goal to open their scoring.
ESPN’s “College GameDay” featured Scottie Scheffler, who expressed confidence in Miami’s performance by stating, “Miami is going to smoke them,” while acknowledging that he loves the city of Louisville.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, at noon at L&N Stadium and will be broadcast nationally on ABC with Joe Tessitore and Jordan Rodgers calling the action.
The series record shows Miami leading 11-4-1, with Louisville’s most recent win occurring in 2023. This matchup promises to be an exciting contest between two of the ACC’s top scoring offenses. Despite Louisville’s progress against mobile quarterbacks, the challenge posed by Cam Ward could lead to another conference loss for the Cardinals.
In terms of betting lines, Louisville is currently a 5-point underdog at home, with an over/under set at 60.5. Additionally, Louisville running back Maurice Turner will miss the game as the coaching staff hopes to get him back on the practice field soon.
The weather forecast indicates a high of 73 degrees with light winds at 4 mph.