Louisville vs Miami

The No. 2 Miami Hurricanes host the Louisville Cardinals on Friday night. The eighteenth meeting between these teams will be a battle for the Howard Schnelenberger Trophy, in honor of the late Hall of Fame head coach of both the Hurricanes and Cardinals. Miami is 12-4-1 against Louisville in the series.

The Canes enter the game undefeated (5-0, 1-0 ACC). The Cardinals (4-1, 1-1 ACC) are looking to bounce back from an overtime loss to Virginia. Both teams are coming off a bye week.

Both teams have proven they can score points. Both teams have shown stubborn defenses. History shows these teams love to shoot it out. So, what might be the difference in this meeting?

For Miami to win on Saturday, we feel there are one key to the game.

Make Moss uncomfortable…

At 6’2”/210, Louisville quarterback Miller Moss is a gunslinger. So far this season Moss has thrown for 1,358 yards (67.0%), for seven touchdowns, with four interceptions. He has a 67.1QBR (51st).

While those numbers are impressive, there is a flaw. Moss is not much of a runner (negative 78 yards). And his offensive line has struggled in pass protection. When his line breaks down, Moss’ production drops substantially, completing only 49 percent of his passes while averaging just 4.1 yards per attempt. When he gets uncomfortable in the pocket, Moss is holding the ball longer than 2.5 seconds.

That’s where Miami’s vaulted defensive line comes in. The Canes’ front seven, led by Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, is one of the best in the country. If Miami can keep the pressure on Moss, make him uncomfortable, it will be a long day for the birds.

BOTTOM LINE:

Once again, the battle in the trench will heavily factor in this game. Make Miller uncomfortable in the pocket. Hold him to under 300 yards passing and mistakes will happen. Victory for our Canes!

Friday, October 17 | 7:00 p.m. EST  | Hard Rock Stadium  

GO CANES!