Miami Hurricanes Face Louisville Cardinals in Anticipated ACC Showdown

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Miami Hurricanes, ranked sixth, prepare to face the University of Louisville Cardinals this Saturday at L&N Cardinal Stadium. The team arrives as the highest-ranked opponent at this venue since No. 3 Clemson beat the Cardinals in October 2019 with a score of 45-10.

The Hurricanes are leading contenders for the 12-team national playoff and are projected potentially to earn a first-round bye. Miami’s quarterback, Cam Ward, is a prominent contender for the Heisman Trophy and is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Under his leadership, Miami tops the Atlantic Coast Conference in both total offense and defense.

Despite nearly two decades in the ACC, Miami has yet to clinch a conference title. They are determined to change that this year. Head coach Jeff Brohm‘s Louisville team is prepared for the challenge as they take on the Hurricanes.

The matchup is scheduled for Saturday at noon, and will be broadcast on ABC Sports and WHAS 11, with radio coverage provided by Louisville Sports Properties on 93.9 FM.

Although Miami, favored by five points, has been undefeated with a 6-0 record, including road victories over Florida, South Florida, and California, their last two wins were narrow, with a combined margin of just five points. The Cardinals entered this game with a 4-2 record after a victory over Virginia.

Cam Ward, Miami’s key player, has thrown for over 300 yards and at least two touchdowns in each of the six games. Additionally, Ward has accumulated 161 rushing yards on 28 carries, utilizing his mobility to extend plays.

Opposing quarterback for Louisville, Tyler Shough, ranks fourth in the ACC for passing yards per game. However, Shough has faced struggles recently, with interceptions in his last three games and a season-low passing record against Virginia.

Miami’s head coach, Mario Cristobal, has previously worked with Shough at the University of Oregon in 2020. Cristobal speaks highly of Shough, stating, “He’s a great competitor, strong, and can make every throw.”

The series between these programs is led by Miami 11-4, though they have split their games since Louisville joined the ACC in 2015. Last season, Louisville defeated Miami in a closely contested game, 38-31, spurred by former quarterback Jack Plummer’s performance of 308 yards and three touchdowns.