In a stunning display of skill and strategy, Louisville coach Jeff Brohm has solidified his position as the winningest coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) since the beginning of the 2023 season. On Friday night, the Cardinals, who entered the game as 13 1/2-point underdogs, delivered a remarkable performance to defeat the No. 2 ranked Miami Hurricanes 24-21 at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium. This victory not only reshapes the ACC landscape but also significantly impacts the College Football Playoff picture.
Louisville's triumph was marked by strategic plays and critical moments. Despite being 4-2 against teams ranked in the Associated Press top five, Brohm’s Cardinals faced a tough challenge from Miami’s Carson Beck, who entered the game as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, Beck's performance faltered as he threw four interceptions, with the third occurring when Louisville held a 24-13 lead in the fourth quarter with just 7:50 left on the clock.
As the Cardinals appeared to be on the verge of victory, a fumble by Louisville’s tailback Isaac Brown opened the door for Miami. The Hurricanes capitalized on the opportunity when freshman Malachi Toney scored on a 12-yard end around, successfully converting a two-point conversion to narrow Louisville’s lead to just three points. With 4:05 remaining, Miami took over the ball at their own 15-yard line, determined to mount a comeback.
Beck led Miami down to the Louisville 31-yard line with only 36 seconds left in the game. However, disaster struck as Beck was intercepted by T.J. Capers, a South Florida native, sealing the win for Louisville in dramatic fashion.
Brohm praised his team's effort, acknowledging the challenge posed by Miami's potent offense. “We knew we were playing a great team and had to be really sharp,” he stated. “When you get a lead on them and you make them throw it more than they want, you’re gonna have an advantage.” The Cardinals (5-1, 2-1 ACC) jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and never looked back, showcasing a strong offensive strategy that effectively countered Miami’s formidable pass rush.
Louisville scored on their opening drive, utilizing a clever fake field goal by Brohm to maintain momentum. Quarterback Miller Moss executed a sneak to extend the drive, demonstrating the creative play-calling that has become a hallmark of Brohm’s coaching style. Miami (5-1, 1-1 ACC) struggled to contain the Cardinals, despite entering the game with one of the nation’s best pass-rushing units.
This matchup highlighted Miami's struggles, particularly in terms of discipline and execution. The Hurricanes, known for being one of the most penalized teams in college football, incurred nine penalties for 68 yards, including three false starts on offense. Coach Mario Cristobal expressed disappointment with his team's performance, stating, “We did not run the ball well. We also got ourselves off schedule several times. All in all, not good enough.”
Beck’s interception issues resurfaced, raising questions about his ability to perform under pressure. After a strong start, he forced several passes into coverage, leading to crucial turnovers. Despite having previously led the league in completion percentage and passing efficiency, Beck's four interceptions on Friday night marked a concerning trend, as this was the fourth game in the 2024 season where he had thrown at least three interceptions.
Credit goes to Brohm and his coaching staff for their innovative strategies that outmatched Cristobal's game plan. The Cardinals employed unique formations, including multiple players lining up at quarterback during the opening series, which confused Miami’s defense and created running opportunities. With the Cardinals averaging over four yards per carry and only allowing one sack on Moss, they effectively controlled the game's tempo.
Looking ahead, Louisville will look to build on this impressive victory, while Miami faces questions about its offensive strategy and quarterback performance. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to solidify their standings within the competitive ACC landscape.
