In a jaw-dropping upset that reshaped the College Football Playoff landscape, the Louisville Cardinals stunned the No. 2 Miami Hurricanes 24-21, thanks to a masterful defensive performance that included four interceptions of Heisman front-runner Carson Beck. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a triumph of Louisville’s strategic brilliance, or a collapse of Miami’s once-dominant offense? Let’s dive in.
At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., Louisville’s head coach Jeff Brohm cemented his status as the winningest coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference since the 2023 season began. Despite entering the game as 13 1/2-point underdogs, the Cardinals never trailed, jumping to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and holding off a late Miami surge. Brohm’s career record against Associated Press top-five teams now stands at an impressive 4-2, proving he’s no stranger to pulling off upsets.
And this is the part most people miss: Louisville’s victory wasn’t just about stopping Miami’s offense—it was about outsmarting them. Brohm’s creative play-calling, including a fake field goal on fourth down that kept their opening drive alive, set the tone for the game. The Cardinals’ ground game dominated, outrushing Miami 119-63, while quarterback Miller Moss efficiently managed the offense, completing 23 of 37 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns.
For Miami, the loss raises questions about their path to the ACC title game. Virginia and Georgia Tech remain undefeated in conference play and don’t face Miami or each other, complicating the Hurricanes’ chances. Bold question: Is Miami’s season slipping away, or can they regroup and reclaim their spot at the top?
Carson Beck’s performance was particularly puzzling. After starting the week as a Heisman favorite alongside Alabama’s Ty Simpson, Beck threw four interceptions, including a critical pick by T.J. Capers with just 36 seconds left that sealed Louisville’s win. This isn’t the first time Beck has struggled with turnovers—he threw 12 interceptions last season at Georgia and has now thrown at least three interceptions in four games since 2024. Controversial take: Is Beck’s draft stock overrated, or is he simply a victim of high expectations and aggressive play-calling?
Miami’s penalties didn’t help their cause either. As one of the most penalized teams in college football, they committed nine penalties for 68 yards, including three false starts on offense. Coach Mario Cristobal admitted, ‘We did not run the ball well… All in all, not good enough.’ Thought-provoking question: Can Miami clean up their discipline issues and regain their early-season form, or is this a deeper problem?
Louisville’s victory wasn’t just about capitalizing on Miami’s mistakes—it was about executing their game plan flawlessly. Brohm’s innovative approach, such as lining up three different players at quarterback in the opening series, kept Miami’s defense off-balance. Running back Isaac Brown rushed for 113 yards on 15 carries, and receiver Chris Bell led the team with nine catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
Final controversial point: While Louisville deserves credit for their win, does this upset expose vulnerabilities in Miami’s championship aspirations? Or is this simply a bump in the road for a team still capable of greatness? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
