Miami Hurricanes Face Off Against Louisville Cardinals in ACC Showdown

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — The Miami Hurricanes are set to welcome the Louisville Cardinals to Hard Rock Stadium on Friday night, aiming to solidify their position in the ACC Championship race.

After enjoying a bye week, No. 2 Miami (5-0) hopes to extend its winning streak against Louisville (4-1), which is eager to bounce back after falling to Virginia in overtime prior to their break. The matchup is expected to be a crucial test for both teams this season.

“We’re focused on finishing strong and aiming for our first ACC title,” said Miami coach Mario Cristobal. The Hurricanes are looking to build off their previous victories, including a significant win over Florida State where quarterback Carson Beck had an impressive four-touchdown performance with no interceptions.

Louisville’s quarterback Miller Moss has stepped up under pressure, particularly due to injuries affecting the running back unit. Moss has shown promise, especially with the support of wide receiver Chris Bell, who has recently emerged as a standout player in the ACC.

Bell set a personal record with 170 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Virginia, and he will be a key target against Miami’s strong defensive front. The Hurricanes boast one of the best defensive lineups in the country, with standout defensive ends Akheem Mesidor and Collier Bain wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.

“Miami has a fierce pass rush, and we need to be prepared for that,” said Bell ahead of the game. Miami ranks third in the ACC for third down defense, largely thanks to their pressure on quarterbacks.

The all-time series has favored Miami, with a 12-4-1 record against Louisville. The two teams have split wins in their last meetings, and both head coaches, Cristobal and Jeff Brohm, have much on the line as they seek to guide their teams to the ACC title.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on Friday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.