Miami Survives a Scare in Louisville: Canes Edge Out Cards in Week 8 Thriller
Miami’s offense sputtered, but the defense came up big in a nail-biting 24-20 victory over Louisville in Week 8. It wasn't pretty, but the Canes got the win, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
The game was a tale of two halves. Miami's offense looked like it was on fire in the first half, racking up points and yards at will. But in the second, the wheels fell off. Louisville's defense tightened up, and the Canes struggled to move the ball.
This game felt like a rollercoaster. The Canes were up 24-10 early in the fourth quarter, but Louisville clawed their way back. The Cards had a chance to win it at the end, but their last-second field goal attempt fell just short.
The Canes' Defense Was the Hero
Miami's defense, which was a bit of a question mark coming into the season, played like a brick wall. They came up big in crucial moments, including a huge sack by Jaelan Phillips that forced a Louisville fumble in the fourth quarter.
It wasn't all sunshine and roses for the Canes, though. The offense was inconsistent, especially in the second half. Tyler Van Dyke had a few costly turnovers. But the defense bailed him out.
This win keeps Miami in the thick of the ACC race. But they can't afford to have another slow start like they did against Louisville. They need to find more consistency on offense if they want to make a serious run at the playoff.
What's Next for Miami?
Miami faces a tough test next week against North Carolina State. The Wolfpack is undefeated and ranked in the top 25. The Canes will need to bring their A-game if they want to stay undefeated.
This game was a wake-up call for Miami. They need to clean up their mistakes and find a way to play consistently on both sides of the ball. If they can do that, they'll be a tough team to beat down the stretch.