Introduction to the Game
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Miller Moss threw two touchdown passes to Chris Bell and ran for a score, Louisville intercepted four of Miami star Carson Beck’s passes and the Cardinals got one of the most significant wins in their history by topping the second-ranked Hurricanes 24-21 on Friday night.
Game Summary
Louisville (5-1, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) got touchdowns on its first two drives for a quick 14-0 lead, and the Hurricanes (5-1, 1-1) trailed the rest of the way. Louisville also snapped Miami’s 10-game home winning streak. The last team to win at Miami? That was Louisville, in 2023.
Turning Point of the Game
The Hurricanes were in field-goal range, but Louisville’s TJ Capers intercepted Beck’s pass at the 30 with 32 seconds left to seal the win. Moss completed 23 of 37 passes for 248 yards, and Isaac Brown ran for 113 yards on 15 carries for Louisville. Bell had nine catches for 136 yards, his TD grabs going for 35 and 36 yards.
Performance Comparison
Beck completed 25 of 35 passes for 271 yards for Miami. The Hurricanes had little success rushing the ball, generating only 63 yards on 24 carries against a Louisville team that came into the right with the No. 1 defense in the ACC. Louisville came into the game 1-8 against teams ranked Nos. 1 or 2 in the AP poll. The win was over then-No. 2 Florida State, a 63-20 romp in 2016.
Historical Context
And on the road, there had never been a night like this for the Cardinals. They were 0-18 against Top 10 teams in true road games before Friday. Most of them weren’t even close: Louisville dropped those games by an average — an average — of 26.3 points. Miami got to 14-10 at the half and trailed 17-13 going into the fourth, but Moss’ 36-yard scoring grab with 13:27 remaining gave the Cardinals a two-score lead again.
Fourth Quarter Intensity
Beck — who threw two interceptions in the first half — had another picked off on the ensuing drive with 7:50 remaining, but Miami got the ball right back on a fumble. Malachi Toney scored on a 12-yard run one play after the fumble, then threw a 2-point conversion pass himself and Miami was right back in it — down 24-21. But the Hurricanes got no closer.
The Takeaway
Louisville: The Cardinals should move into the AP Top 25 on Sunday, and had Miami guessing from the outset Friday. The first drive included, among other things, a fake reverse and a fake field goal. The fake on the chip shot — it would have been a 22-yarder — got the Cardinals down to the 1, and Moss barreled in one play later for the game’s opening score.
Up Next
Miami: The Hurricanes’ loss means the list of unbeaten FBS teams is now down to 10 — all of them 6-0. The list: No. 1 Ohio State, No. 3 Indiana, No. 4 Texas A&M, No. 5 Ole Miss, No. 7 Texas Tech, No. 12 Georgia Tech, No. 15 BYU and No. 22 Memphis, along with unranked Navy and UNLV. Louisville: Hosts Boston College on Oct. 25. Miami: Hosts Stanford on Oct. 25.
Conclusion
This significant win by Louisville marks a turning point in their season, showcasing their ability to compete against top-ranked teams. The Cardinals’ clever plays and strong defense were key to their victory, ending Miami’s home winning streak.
FAQs
- Q: What was the final score of the game?
- A: Louisville won 24-21 against Miami.
- Q: How many interceptions did Louisville make?
- A: Louisville intercepted four of Miami star Carson Beck’s passes.
- Q: What is Louisville’s next game?
- A: Louisville hosts Boston College on Oct. 25.
- Q: What is Miami’s next game?
- A: Miami hosts Stanford on Oct. 25.
- Q: How did this win affect Louisville’s standings?
- A: The win should move Louisville into the AP Top 25 on Sunday.
