Louisville vs Miami

Miami (5-0, 1-0 ACC) will host Louisville (4-1, 1-1 ACC) at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday night. The game renews their Schnellenberger Trophy rivalry. lt be televised nationally on ESPN. Miami is currently favored by 13.5 points.

The #2 Canes come into the game off a bye week. Their last game was a dominant 28-22 win over Florida State. The Cardinals also are coming off a bye week after an overtime loss to Virginia. The Canes won the most recent meeting, 52–45, in 2024, in Louisville.

A win on Friday night for Miami would solidify their national ranking and pave the wy to an ACC Championship berth. A bounce back win for Louisville would vault the Cardinals back into the race to Charlotte.

Let’s break down the numbers.

TEAM MATCHUPS:

Miami’s offense is averaging 425.0 yards of total offense per game (41st in FBS), while scoring 35.0 points per game (35th in FBS). The Canes are averaging 264.2 passing yards per game (39th) and 160.8 rushing yards per game (62nd).

Louisville’s defense is averaging 262.0 yards per game (12th in FBS), while yielding an average of 21.0 points per game (48th). The Cardinals are yielding 150.4 passing yards per game (8th) and 111.6 rushing yards per game (31st).

Louisville’s offense is averaging 404.0 yards of total offense per game (62nd in FBS), while scoring 36.0 points per game (29th in FBS). The Cardinals are averaging 289.0 passing yards per game (21st) and 115.0 rushing yards per game (113th).

Miami’s defense is averaging 276.4 yards per game (16th in FBS), while yielding 13.6 points per game (9th). The Canes are yielding 189.0 passing yards per game (35th) and 87.4 rushing yards per game (13th).

Third Down Conversion:

Both teams are strong on defense on third down. Miami is ranked 10th, allowing opponents to convert 27.9% on third down, while Louisville ranks 25th, allowing opponents to convert 30.9% of third don opportunities.

Red Zone Offense:

Miami is 71st in red zone defense, allowing opponents to score on 84.6% of trips. Louisville's red zone offense ranks 21st, scoring on 94.4% of red zone opportunities.

Positives:

Miami is 8th in the FBS with a +6 turnover margin.

Miami ranks 15th in the FBS with an average time of possession of 33:00, due primarily to Miami’s prolific rushing attack behind a dominant offensive line.

Negatives:

Miami is 71st in FBS in red zone defense, allowing opponents to score on 84.6% of trips.

Louisville ranks 122nd in the FBS with 72.4 penalty yards per game.

BOTTOM LINE:

Louisville is a dangerous team. If the Cardinals can win the trench war, they can make things uncomfortable for the Canes.

GO CANES!