Louisville, Ky – October 19, 2024 – Aidan King
The Louisville Cardinals welcomed the Miami Hurricanes to L&N Stadium for week 7. The Cardinals are coming off a big ACC win, defeating the Virginia Cavaliers (24-20). Moving the Cardinals to a record of (2-1) in the ACC and a total record of (4-2). The Hurricanes have made quick work of everyone they have played this season and have a perfect (6-0) record. The Canes QB Cam Ward has been playing at a Heismen level. This is an exciting day in Louisville not only are the Cards wearing all new Black out uniforms but the program is honoring a Louisville Football legend, Teddy Bridgewater by honoring his jersey in L&N Stadium.
1st Quarter
The Hurricanes won the coin flip and deferred to the second half. Cards couldn’t get their footing on their first drive and were forced to punt it away. After a long drive with multiple 3rd downs the crowd got the better of them. The Canes were in scoring position and received 2 false start penalties which held them to a field goal. On the Cardinals following drive Rb Isaac Brown exploded out of the backfield for a 43 yard rushing touchdown. The Canes 2nd drive Qb Cam Ward delivers a 27 yard dot to Wr Jacolby George for the touchdown. The Cardinals get stopped early but went for it on 4th down, Qb Tyler Shough fell forward to pick up the first. However, three plays later the Cards are forced to punt away.
2nd Quarter
A quick set of downs results in Qb Cam Ward delivering a strike across the field for a 49 yard touchdown to Wr Samuel Brown. Louisville starts the drive with a 22 yard rush by Rb Donald Chaney JR. Next play Qb Tyler Shough finds an opening to make a 27 yard pass which leads to a 1st and goal where he completes a short 3 yard pass to Te Mark Redman for the touchdown. On the 1st drive of the second drive of the second quarter Canes picked up a crucial 4th down to extend their drive. Then Cardinal Jordan Guerad sacked Qb Cam Ward for a loss of 9 on the next play Card Dezmond Tell sacked Qb Cam ward for a loss of 6. The Cards defense forced Miami to punt away. However Rb Isaac Brown fumbled in the endzone and was recovered by Miami for a touchdown. On the next drive the Cardinal offense started to heat up but following a sack by Miami’s Simeon Brown are forced to kick a field goal which was missed. Cardinal Defense takes a stand and forces Miami to punt away. Louisville hits a field goal at the end of the half.
Halftime Score: Miami Leads (24-17)
3rd Quarter
Miami took first possession in the second half. Miami came out attacking hard, capping off the 14 play 75 yard drive with a passing touchdown to Wr Xavier Restrepo. In a huge momentum change Cardinal Kaulin Lacy returns the kick off 100 yards for a touchdown. Then Canes Rb Mark Fletcher fumbled the ball which was forced by Cardinal Thor Griffth which gave the ball back to the Cardinals. Following the fumble recovery Qb Tyler Shough completed a huge ball to Wr Ja’corey Brooks for the 21 yard passing touchdown. Miami Qb Cam Ward completes a huge 63 yard ball to Wr Xavier Restepo he then scores a touchdown on a 2 yard pass to Wr Isaiah Horton for the touchdown. On Louisville 4th down the Cards dial up a fake punt and get the first down.
4th Quarter
In the most crucial drive of the game Qb Tyler Shough completed a short pass to Rb Duke Watson for the touchdown,the drive totaling 13 plays 75 yards. On the next drive Miami Qb Cam Ward gashed the defense with a 59 yard pass to Wr Jacolby George. To end their drive Rb Ajay Allen rushes into the endzone for the touchdown. Miami defense holds strong and forces the Cardinals to punt. Miami’s next drive Qb Cam Ward, is sacked by Cardinal Ben Perry on 2nd down. The next play Cam Ward scrambled for the 1st. To end the drive Rb Damien Marteniz rushed 30 yards for a touchdown. On the last Louisville drive Qb Tyler Shough finds Ja’Corey Brooks in the endzone for the touchdown.
Full Time Score: Miami wins (52 – 45)
Qb Takeaways
Tyler Shough had another really good game. Throwing 31-51 with 342 yards and 4 touchdowns. He once again showed his ability to spread the defense thin and deliver balls anywhere he needs to. His favorite target of the night was Ja’Corey Brooks he racked up 107 yards with 2 touchdowns.
Rb Takeaways
The Rbs played an average game. The Cardinals have had a tough time getting their running game flowing in ACC play. The best rusher of the day was Isaac Brown with 56 yards and a touchdown. This team’s offense is good but to make it great they have to get the rushing game down.
Defense Takeaways
The real thing holding this team back is defense. This is the 3rd game the Cardinals have lost by a touchdown. The D-line holds up well throughout the game but the secondary gets picked apart. This team has great potential but needs to work on their defense to reach it.