By now, it's safe to say that "The U" is back.
The Miami Hurricanes come into this matchup undefeated (6-0) and ranked sixth in the country. However, they've been tested in their last two matchups, winning by a combined five points.
The Louisville Cardinals (4-2) host the Hurricanes this Saturday at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium at 12 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN+. Louisville got back on track last week after two straight losses by defeating Virginia on the road, 24-20.
The Canes are favored by 4.5 points on the spread with a total sitting at 61.5 points.
With both teams riding high and talent littered all over the field, which side should you be on? Here's my Miami vs. Louisville predictions and my college football picks for Saturday.
Miami vs Louisville Prediction
- Miami vs Louisville Pick: Over 51
My Miami vs Louisville best bet is on the under, with the best line currently available at BetRivers, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Miami vs Louisville Odds
| Miami (FL) Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -112 | 61.5 -110o / -110u | -200 |
| Louisville Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -109 | 61.5 -110o / -110u | +160 |
- Miami vs Louisville Point Spread: Miami -4.5 (-112) · Louisville +4.5 (-109)
- Miami vs Louisville Total: Over/Under 61.5
- Miami vs. Louisville Moneyline: Miami -200 · Louisville +160
Miami vs Louisville Preview
Miami Hurricanes Betting Preview: Living Up to Hype
The Hurricanes came into this season with a ton of hype and one of the most talented teams on paper. To this point, they have lived up to the hype, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Cam Ward, a Washington State transfer, has flourished in the ACC and garnered Heisman consideration. He's led the Hurricanes to rank 4h in yards per pass and 12th in completion percentage.
Ward and his uber-talented receiving corps should be able to dissect the Louisville secondary, which ranks 89th in yards per pass allowed and 112th in opponent completion percentage.
However, the success of the Hurricanes' offensive should continue on the ground in this matchup, as their 6th-ranked offensive line outranks the 36th-ranked Cardinals' in line yards.
That is excellent news for Damien Martinez and Jordan Lyle, who have combined to average 5.8 yards per carry. It would be shocking to see Miami's offense stumble in this one, especially after a bye week.
Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview: Toughest Test Yet
While the Hurricanes' starters will draw attention to this matchup, the Louisville Cardinals are a very talented team, and it's shown in the box score.
Tyler Shough, the Cardinals' quarterback, is not far behind Ward in yards per pass, as he ranks 12 and is under 7 percent behind him in completion percentage. Then, on the ground, Isaac Brown has been a force, averaging 8.6 yards per carry.
Louisville's issue in this matchup is the Hurricanes' defense, which will be their toughest test to this point. Miami ranks fourth in Pass Success Rate and third in Havoc Rate.
On the ground, Miami's 18th-ranked defensive line outranks Louisville's 77th-ranked unit. The Hurricanes have the tools to contain the Cardinal's offense, and Louisville will be under pressure to match the Hurricanes' scoring output.
Miami vs Louisville
Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Miami and Louisville match up statistically:
Miami Offense vs. Louisville Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 4 | 18 | |
| Line Yards | 6 | 36 | |
| Pass Success | 5 | 69 | |
| Havoc | 12 | 72 | |
| Finishing Drives | 10 | 71 | |
| Quality Drives | 2 | 37 | |
Louisville Offense vs. Miami Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 35 | 36 |  |
| Line Yards | 77 | 18 | |
| Pass Success | 56 | 4 | |
| Havoc | 33 | 3 | |
| Finishing Drives | 61 | 27 | |
| Quality Drives | 4 | 45 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 87 | 63 |
| PFF Coverage | 14 | 94 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 35 | 99 |
| Middle 8 | 16 | 71 |
| Seconds per Play | 28.6 (95) | 29.1 (107) |
| Rush Rate | 46% (110) | 49% (96) |
Miami vs Louisville Pick & Prediction
There hasn't been much market movement on the spread for this matchup. We've seen the number bounce between four and five all week.
It seems clear that the side you should be on is Miami (FL). The Hurricanes have the edge on both sides and come into this game off a bye, so they should be well-prepared.
Expect the Hurricanes to look sharp as they cover the spread and notch their seventh win of the season.
Pick: Miami -4.5 (Play to -5)
How to Watch Miami vs Louisville Start Time, Channel, Streaming, How To Watch
| Location: | L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, Oct. 19 |
| Kickoff Time: | 12 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ABC |
Miami takes on Louisville at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 12 p.m. ET on ABC.
