The Miami Hurricanes (6-0) are currently sitting in pole position in the ACC, but things haven't come easily for in recent games. Miami needed last minute scoring drives to beat both Virginia Tech and California, showing a mental toughness it hasn't shown in years. Louisville will be their toughest test of the season, and for the Cardinals this is a huge opportunity to get back some momentum.
Louisville climbed all the way up to No. 15 before it lost back-to-back games to Notre Dame and SMU. A win over Miami gets them back on track, but a loss all but eliminates them from a second straight ACC title game appearance and the Hurricanes take another huge step to earning their first berth in the game since 2017.
Location : L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium (Louisville, Ky.)
Date : Saturday - October 19
Time : 12:00 PM ET
Channel : ABC
Line : Miami -5.0; O/U 59.5
Irish Breakdown has made predictions for this contest.
BRYAN DRISKELL, OWNER
Prediction : Louisville 35, Miami 31
I still question how good both of these teams are. Both are good teams, no doubt, but just how good are they? Miami is undefeated and has shown some grit in recent weeks, but they also had some flaws get exposed, especially on defense. Miami gave up 6.6 yards per play and 36 points per game over its last two games. They showed an ability to find ways to win, but this will be a much tougher test than Virginia Tech or California. Can Miami slow down the Louisville offense?
On the other side, the Louisville defense has struggled in each of its last three games. The Cardinals are giving up 28.3 points per game, 421.3 yards per game and 6.1 yards per play over its last three games, which includes its two losses. Both teams come in tested, but the outcome will be determined by which quarterback makes the biggest plays, which line can help establish balance, and which defense can make the most stops.
I'm going with the home team winning in a shootout, but that also assumes Louisville plays a lot better defense and line play against Miami than it has the last few weeks.
VINCE DEDARIO, FOOTBALL ANALYST
Prediction : Louisville 21, Miami 17
This is an absolutely intriguing matchup. Louisville was disappointing in their game against SMU and it was a home game at that. They are better than that game showed. I am excited to see what Coach Brohm has in store for Miami in this game. I really feel like they could pull the upset in this one.
SEAN STIRES, STAFF WRITER
Prediction : Miami 38, Louisville 30
This should be Miami’s toughest test the rest of the season. They’ve won their last two games against Cal and Virginia Tech by a combined five points.
TREVOR TROWBRIDGE, STAFF WRITER
Prediction : Louisville 31, Miami 28
Miami has squeaked out close wins in previous weeks over Virginia Tech and Cal. Louisville's pass offense will win the day against the Miami pass defense despite Cam Ward putting up good numbers against a steady Louisville defense.
NICK KREMER, RECRUITNG ANALYST
Prediction : Louisville 34, Miami 30
Miami’s early-season performance was impressive, quickly putting them on the national radar. However, since their hot start, weaknesses have started to show as they have narrowly escaped defeat recently. Entering a hostile environment in Louisville, combined with Jeff Brohm’s offensive genius, the Hurricanes are prime for an upset.
ANDREW MCDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR
Prediction : Miami 38, Louisville 24
The Canes may have had to survive 2 straight games, but they still bring the ACC's top-ranked offense and top-ranked defense into this game with a Cardinals team that narrowly avoided a third consecutive loss at Virginia last weekend. It doesn't help Louisville either that this is a noon kickoff, and I expect the Cardinals to struggle to stop Cam Ward while the offense is unable to keep up. Miami validates itself as a contender for a top-four seed in the CFP.
SEASON STANDINGS
Bryan - 21-6
Nick - 19-8
Andrew - 19-8
Vince - 18-9
Sean - 18-9
Trevor - 18-9
Joe - 17-6
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