Miami Hurricanes Week 7 Preview: Louisville Cardinals

Miami, Florida – Now that they’re well rested the Miami Hurricanes venture to Louisville in a showdown with the Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. After two thrilling come-from-behind victories, the sixth-ranked Cardiac Canes remain undefeated at 6-0 (2-0, ACC). The red birds, meanwhile, check in with a record of 4-2 (2-1, ACC) pulling off a rally of their own via a late TD pass winning 24-20 over the Virginia Cavaliers. Its two losses are against ranked teams falling 31-24 to Notre Dame and 34-27 to SMU.

WEEK 8 CAPTAINS 🙌#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/wZc80J8O8h

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 17, 2024

These two programs last met on November 18, 2023, resulting in a 38-31 win for Louisville at the Hardrock. UM owns the overall series 11-4. Miami’s schedule allowed for much-needed rest with the bye week providing time to assess the shortcomings that forced the Hurricanes into late-game heroics. Although the Cardinals are no longer ranked they remain a talented conference opponent. The U cannot sleep on them. Failure to do so will result in Miami finding itself in the same situation as when they played Cal. The big question is whether or not the secondary will struggle again, this time facing Louisville’s pocket passer.

Louisville Cardinals

Tyler Shough

Tyler Shough just went sidearm before taking a hit and threw a touchdown. What a play. pic.twitter.com/PjKuddUr9T

— Tyler Greever (@Tyler_Greever) September 28, 2024

Considering Miami’s struggles the past two games, the focus will be entirely on the opposing team’s offense. Starting with the quarterback, Tyler Shough has thrown for 1,674 yards, the fourth-most within the ACC, tallying up 14 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Against Virginia, he completed 18 of 31 passes for 231 yards, including a touchdown and a pick. He was sacked twice and isn’t a mobile thrower by any means. However, Tyler is capable of torching UM’s defensive backs and is far from the only threat.

Isaac Brown

Your ACC Newcomer of the week #Louisville Freshman RB Isaac Brown 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KlDGqmWtwD

— Jeff Lightsy Jr. (@jlightsy7) October 14, 2024

This individual is the reason the Cardinals got the rest of their points. Isaac Brown rushed for 146 yards on 20 carries averaging 7.3 a carry finding the endzone twice. This is concerning because the Hurricanes failed to stop the run versus Virginia Tech. For those who may not remember, the Hokies ran wild accumulating 206 yards. Brown has generated 508 yards and three touchdowns so far for 2024. Compare it to Bhaysul Tuten who presently sits on 605 with 9 TDs and you’ll see Tuten has almost double the amount of carries (107-59) yet Brown is more explosive statistically. Watch him.

Ja’Corey Brooks

Former five-star recruit and Alabama transfer Ja'Corey Brooks is living up to the billing at Louisville.

Big-time catch and run. Has 3 catches for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns against SMU. https://t.co/otixhRDN7Y pic.twitter.com/ZTYqmTaIma

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) October 5, 2024

So who is Shough’s go-to wide receiver? Look no further than Ja’Corey Brooks. By far the top wideout for Louisville, Brooks leads with 30 receptions, 572 yards, and six TDs. He’s averaging nearly 20 yards a catch (19.1) making the redshirt senior a tremendous deep ball threat. With the way he plays, the guy is capable of drawing extra coverage leaving it open for someone else to catch a pass. Last weekend Brooks caught five for 83 yards but did not see the endzone breaking a three-game scoring streak.

Miami Hurricanes

Francisco Mauigoa

KIKO INT

CANES COMEBACK pic.twitter.com/p9eeK2SM19

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) October 6, 2024

Leading the Hurricanes with 32 tackles (16 solo), Kiko is one of the keys to the defense’s success this Saturday. Mauigoa also has two sacks, three pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble augmenting his numbers. I still remember when he missed a crucial tackle against Virginia Tech ultimately setting up a touchdown. It’s plays like those that need to be mitigated if not outright erased against a Louisville unit that can make Miami pay.

Mishael Powell

Mishael Powell : 3 tackles & an INT (Transferred from Washington in the offseason) pic.twitter.com/WfSEvdbJSC

— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) September 28, 2024

Lingering on the secondary we proceed to Mishael Powell, another person to observe. Leading the program with three interceptions, Powell will be on the prowl to wreck Shough’s momentum. If there’s one thing I want to see it’s turnovers. The Hurricanes must shut down the pass and force at least two takeaways. Heading into week 7 it isn’t the offense I’m worried about. The defense needs to come up with big stops and force three-and-outs. Powell will factor into this.

Isaiah Horton

The moment it all began.

4th & 3.

Cam Ward 🎯 Isaiah Horton.

The rest- as they say- is history.🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/TslcZNhif7

— Sidelines – Miami 🤦🏽‍♂️🫳🏽 (@SSN_Miami) October 9, 2024

Although he’s quiet in most games, Isaiah Horton shined at Cal making nine catches for 83 yards and a touchdown that ultimately kicked off the rally to win the contest. Horton has amassed 395 yards on 31 receptions including a trio of TDs. As a redshirt sophomore, it’s going to be interesting to see how the rest of the campaign works out for him going into 2025. Isaiah has been earning his way into becoming a bigger part of the offense.

Prediction

The Miami Hurricanes have not played well coming off a bye. Under coach Mario Cristobal, UM has lost both of its post-bye week games. Oh, it gets better. Since 2018, the Canes have lost seven of its past eight. Of those eight games, six have been decided by one possession. Offensively, Louisville ranks 21st in the nation in yards per game (461.8 ) and 22nd in points per game (36.2). Their defense gives up 19.7 points per game. Miami should win by a final score of 31-24.