Week 8 of the college football schedule promises to have several entertaining matchups. On Saturday, five games will take place between ranked teams.
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The weekend got off to a crazy start with a major upset on Friday night that will have implications for the College Football Playoff. The first CFP rankings are set to be released on Nov. 4, and programs are trying to pad their resumes in the meantime to make a case they belong in the 12-team tournament.
Louisville just proved the CFP selection committee should take them seriously after their performance on Friday night. The Cardinals entered their Week 8 contest with a 4-1 record. Louisville’s only loss came to then-No. 24 Virginia on Oct. 4, but the Cardinals had not beaten a ranked program before they took on No. 2 Miami.
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Louisville raced off to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter before Miami quarterback Carson Beck led a five-play, 75-yard drive capped off by a two-yard touchdown run by running back Mark Fletcher Jr. to cut the lead to 14-7 with 2:19 remaining in the first quarter.
The Cardinals would take a 14-10 lead into halftime. A 36-yard touchdown pass from Miller Moss to wide receiver Chris Bell put Louisville up 24-13 with 13:27 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Miami would trim the lead to 24-21 on a touchdown run that came one play following a fumble recovery by Hurricanes defensive back Zechariah Poyser returned to the Louisville 12-yard line with 7:42 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Miami had one more offensive possession, but a 12-play, 54-yard drive ended when Cardinals linebacker T.J. Capers intercepted a pass from Carson Beck. Louisville then ran out the clock to earn a 24-21 victory at Hard Rock Stadium.
It was Miami’s first loss at home since 2023. The Hurricanes entered the contest as 13.5-point favorites over the Cardinals.
Beck had a forgettable night, throwing for 271 yards and four interceptions. Miami was held to 63 yards rushing on 24 carries.
Moss had a solid night for Louisville, throwing for 248 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Isaac Brown rushed for 113 yards on 15 carries and lost one fumble. Bell led the Cardinals in receiving with 136 yards and two touchdowns on nine receptions.
The loss will likely drop Miami out of the top-10. Louisville should climb into the rankings after pulling off the upset.
The Cardinals have a favorable schedule for the rest of the season, with no ranked teams remaining. Louisville will next host Boston College in Week 9.
Miami will next host Stanford in Week 9.
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