Way too early Louisville football game-by-game predictions

at Miami

November 9th

Another week, another incredibly tough opponent, one that Louisville hasn’t seen since 2014.

Gone is Mark Richt, who coached Miami to an impressive 26-13 during his three years as head coach, and in is former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, who will coach the program after serving as the defensive coordinator for the last two years under Richt.

Last season the Hurricanes took a big step back after an impressive 10-3 record in 2017, and a majority of the problems for the program started and ended with the QB. Under the tutelage of former Alabama quarterback coach Dan Enos, who takes over as the Miami Offensive Coordinator the position should be in good hands. Especially considering that former five-star recruit Tate Martell is eligible to play after transferring from Ohio State (spurning Louisville in the process) and sophomore N’Kosi Perry dominated during the spring.

Miami has playmakers back at every position on offense and returns the majority of their defense, including star linebackers Michael Pinckney, Shaquille Quarterman, Zach McCloud, one of the nation’s top returning corners Trajan Bandy and others that have been a part of an elite group in the ACC over the last few years.

If this game was at home, I’d have more confidence in Louisville being able to keep it close and potentially sneak a victory out, but with a dominant defense playing at home and us still not knowing what to expect from the QB position, I think the Cards could struggle to score points, which as we all know isn’t good in football.

I see the Cards struggling up front to keep the defensive line at bay and with the strong linebacking core, running the football could prove challenging. Once again, competing every down regardless of the score will be what I want to see from a Cards team who could be on blowout watch should Miami’s quarterback play improve like currently expected.

Prediction: Louisville 10, Miami 24

Record: 4-5