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Louisville (4-1) at Miami (5-0)
- When: Oct 17 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
- Where to watch: ESPN
- Last Meeting: Miami 52-45, October 19th, 2024
Louisville vs (2) Miami Preview & Prediction
Spread: Miami -13.5
Moneyline: Miami (-585)
Total: 50.5
Louisville Cardinals Preview: Can the Cards Keep Pace?
The Louisville Cardinals roll into Miami Gardens looking to pull off a major upset and bounce back from a heartbreaking overtime loss to Virginia. Louisville sits at 4-1 overall and 1-1 in ACC play, but recent offensive mistakes have been their undoing. Turnovers have become a weekly issue, with quarterback Miller Moss tossing a pick-six in consecutive games and a fumbled pitch against Virginia turning into a scoop-and-score.
That type of sloppiness won’t cut it against one of the stingiest defenses in the nation. The Cardinals have managed just 107 rushing yards across their last two ACC matchups, largely due to injuries in the backfield. If running back Isaac Brown can return at full strength, it could inject some life into an otherwise sputtering ground attack.
The good news? Moss has been heating up through the air. Over the last three contests, the USC transfer has thrown for 984 yards and nine touchdowns. His chemistry with senior receiver Chris Bell has been electric — Bell set career highs in catches and yards in back-to-back games, including a monster 170-yard outing against Virginia. Add in Caullin Lacy’s explosive return ability, and Louisville still has the firepower to keep this one interesting.
Still, going against Miami’s physical front seven that allows only 2.8 yards per carry is a tall order. To cover this spread, Louisville must limit turnovers, find balance, and somehow establish a rhythm on the ground.
Miami Hurricanes Preview: Balanced, Disciplined, and Dangerous
The second-ranked Miami Hurricanes enter at 5-0, and they’ve done it with a mix of offensive efficiency and elite defensive play. They’re averaging 35 points per game, but it’s the defense that has quietly become the backbone, ranking 16th nationally and second in the ACC in total yards allowed.
Quarterback Carson Beck continues to look like a Heisman contender. The Georgia transfer has been surgical, completing 73% of his passes with 11 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He’s the engine that keeps this Miami offense humming. When Beck’s dialed in, the Hurricanes are nearly impossible to stop.
Freshman wideout Malachi Toney adds another dangerous weapon to the mix. Coming off a breakout performance with 107 yards and two touchdowns at Florida State, he’ll test Louisville’s secondary, one that has allowed the eighth-fewest passing yards in the nation.
With a rested defense, a hot quarterback, and home-field advantage, Miami is in prime position to stay undefeated. However, Louisville’s knack for explosive plays means this one could stay tight early before Miami’s depth and discipline take over.
Final Score Prediction & Betting Outlook
Expect a fast-paced battle early before Miami’s offense starts to pull away. Carson Beck’s accuracy and depth of playmakers should eventually wear down Louisville’s defense, while the Cardinals find just enough success through the air to keep it respectable. Miami covers the 13.5-point spread, and the total goes Over 50.5 as both teams trade scores late.
Final Score: Miami 34, Louisville 20
Lean: Miami -13.5
Total: Over 50.5
- NCAA Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
