.png)
_edited_edited.png)
The No. 19 Louisville Cardinals (2-0) and the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (2-0) have blown out their first two opponents. Louisville defeated FCS opponent Austin Peay (0-2) 62-0 and then Jacksonville State (0-2) 49-14.
Miami beat up in-state rival and Southeastern Conference school Florida (1-1) 40-17 and FCS opponent Florida A&M (2-1) 56-9. So, who is the better team as both will soon start to play their conference schedule?
Early Favorites
The two teams that were supposed to be the best in this conference were the Florida State Seminoles (0-2, 0-2) and the No. 22 Clemson Tigers (1-1). After upset and blowout losses for both teams, the argument has switched between Atlantic Coastal Conference fans to Louisville and Miami. Soon, you might be able to throw the No. 24 Boston College Eagles (2-0, 1-0) into the fold as well. For now, we’ll stick to the ‘Canes and the Cards as both will meet in Week 8 in Louisville, Ky., for a game that could be the ACC game of the year.
Tale of the Tape
Both teams have blown out their first two opponents. But if you just go by who was on the schedule, then it would be easy to say that because Miami took down the Gators in Gainesville, Fla. It appears that they’re the undisputed best team in the conference. However, the Cardinals have been no slouches in the running game. In their first two games, Louisville has amassed 526 rushing yards and quarterback Tyler Shough has thrown for 581 yards with 6 touchdowns and no interceptions. Their defense has tallied 9 sacks and 3 turnovers. Cardinals pass rusher Ashton Gillotte just might be in line for the Hendricks Award, given to the best pass rusher in college football.
Is Miami Back?
Miami has a fantastic offense led by one of the Heisman Award favorites, quarterbacks Cam Ward. Ward has thrown for 689 yards with 6 touchdowns and 1 interception. He’s rushed for 46 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground. His play alone has put the ‘Canes in the top 10 in college football and it feels like South Beach is ready to erupt and claim that “Miami is back!" Two other skill players who are playing at a ridiculous level are running back Damien Martinez and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo. Martinez has rushed for 156 yards and a touchdown; Restrepo has 11 catches, 216 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
Miami's defense has been outstanding as well. The Hurricanes have 8 sacks and Tyler Baron has accounted for 4 of them. Baron put together a college football style hat trick last Saturday in sacks. He also is a candidate for the Hendricks Award. The Hurricanes' defense has 5 turnovers, all interceptions, this season. This shows that the ‘Canes' defense might be the real deal early this season.
Right now, the upper hand goes to Miami with its offense that went up and down the field against Florida. Coming up, Miami plays the Ball State Cardinals (1-0) at home in another game the ‘Canes should cover the spread. On Sept. 21, Louisville plays its first ACC game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-1, 1-1).
.png)
.png)
Go Ville ride them horses!