Louisville Upsets No. 2 Miami: Cardinals Intercept Carson Beck Four Times

The Louisville Cardinals celebrated a significant victory over the Miami Hurricanes, defeating the No. 2 ranked team 24-21 at Hard Rock Stadium. This win reshaped the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) landscape and highlighted Louisville’s resilience, particularly under head coach Jeff Brohm.
Game Highlights
Entering the game as 13.5-point underdogs, Louisville established a commanding presence early, scoring two touchdowns within the first quarter. The Cardinals never trailed, an impressive feat given Miami’s formidable roster.
Key Performers
- Louisville’s Miller Moss: Completed 23 of 37 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns.
- Isaac Brown: Rushed for 113 yards on 15 carries.
- Chris Bell: Led the receiving corps with nine catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
- Miami’s Carson Beck: Despite entering the match as a leading Heisman contender, threw four interceptions, impacting Miami’s aggressive offensive strategy.
Critical Moments
One pivotal moment occurred late in the fourth quarter. With Louisville leading 24-13, Miami closed the gap after a touchdown by freshman Malachi Toney, followed by a successful two-point conversion. However, a critical interception by T.J. Capers ultimately sealed the victory for the Cardinals.
Coaching and Strategy
Jeff Brohm’s coaching tactics were instrumental in this victory. His innovative play calling troubled Miami’s defense, particularly its pass-rushing unit. Brohm utilized multiple players in quarterback roles early in the game, opening running lanes that resulted in an overall ground game advantage of 119 to 63 yards.
In stark contrast, Miami faced difficulties maintaining its offensive rhythm. The Hurricanes, known for their strong pass rush, only managed to sack Moss once during the match. Additionally, their performance was marred by nine penalties for 68 yards, including three offensive false starts.
Impact on ACC Standings
This loss significantly complicates Miami’s journey towards the ACC title game. With Virginia and Georgia Tech both undefeated in conference play and not scheduled to face Miami, the Hurricanes must recalibrate their strategy moving forward.
Brohm’s victory further establishes his credentials, boasting a career record of 4-2 against top-five ranked teams in the AP poll. As the Cardinals move forward from this successful outing, they remain a formidable competitor in the ACC.