Louisville shocks No. 2 Miami as Carson Beck throws four picks; Cardinals shake up playoff, ACC title races

Louisville held off a late rally to earn the program's first win over a top-two team since 2016

Louisville stunned No. 2 Miami 24-21 on Friday night for its first-ever road win over an AP top-five opponent. The Cardinals jumped out to a 14-0 lead and held on through a tense ending to secure a result that will reverberate through the ACC and all of college football.

Miami (5-1, 1-1 ACC) suffered under the weight of numerous blunders, including four Carson Beck interceptions and several untimely offensive penalties. The Hurricanes were driving in the final minute with a chance to tie the game or take the lead when Beck was picked off for a fourth time.

T.J. Capers made the game-clinching pick with 33 seconds remaining when he jumped a route and corralled a deflected pass to secure a monumental victory for the Cardinals (5-1, 2-1).

Louisville's offense started hot before cooling off. But the Cardinals effectively negated the ferocity of Miami's defensive front with quick passes and timely blows from the running game. The star was senior receiver Chris Bell, who caught two touchdown passes while surpassing 100 yards receiving for a third straight game.

Miami was penalized nine times for 68 yards and never generated a consistent rushing attack. The Hurricanes averaged just 2.6 yards per rush. Isaac Brown finished with 113 yards rushing on 15 carries for the Cardinals.

The win marked Jeff Brohm's fourth against an AP Top 5 team while coaching an unranked squad. Though it was his first such win at Louisville, the former Purdue coach is no stranger to pulling big upsets with the Cardinals. Louisville stunned No. 11 Clemson on the road last season and knocked off No. 10 Notre Dame in 2023 during Brohm's first season. But there's no question this was the most significant victory at Louisville yet for the former Cardinals quarterback.

Quick hitters 

Carson Beck (Miami)

• Suffers first home loss of his career (previously 17-0).
• First career loss vs. an unranked opponent (previously 17-0).
• Throws 4 interceptions, the most in a single game in his career.

Louisville

• Earns first road win vs. an AP Top-10 opponent in program history (previously 0-18-1).
• Records second win ever vs. an AP Top-2 opponent (previously 1-8).

Louisville's highest-ranked wins (All-Time)

Year	Opponent	Score	Location
2025	at No. 2 Miami	24–21	Road
2016	No. 2 Florida State	63–20	Home
2006	No. 3 West Virginia	44–34	Home
2013	No. 4 Florida	33–23	Sugar Bowl
2002	No. 4 Florida State	26–20 (OT)	Home

[Oct 17, 2025 at 11:07 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami has been a member of the ACC since 2004 but has never won the conference. The Hurricanes could still get that milestone checked off in 2025, but the path to get there just got more complicated. Miami is officially out of margin for error if it wants to reach the league championship game. With six games still remaining on the Hurricanes' conference docket, that's an uncomfortable place to be. 

But suffering a second loss would likely, at best, leave Miami's spot in the conference title game up to a tiebreaker. And it's possible that a conference record of 6-2 would eliminate the 'Canes from league title contention altogether. Trips to SMU on Nov. 1 and to Pitt on Nov. 29 look like the toughest tests remaining.

With regards to its College Football Playoff hopes, Miami could potentially still make the 12-team field if it wins out to close the regular season but loses in the ACC Championship Game. The Hurricanes would be 11-2 in that scenario. That's the same record SMU had when it reached the playoff last season after losing to Clemson in the ACC Championship Game. The 2-loss Mustangs reached the CFP with a non conference schedule weaker than what Miami played. The Hurricanes beat Notre Dame, South Florida and Florida during their 5-0 start.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 10:47 pm ET · David Cobb]

Louisville receiver Chris Bell probably made himself some money with yet another electric performance. The 6-foot-2 speedster finished with nine receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns, even while battling through an apparent hamstring issue. Bell's first big splash came late in the first quarter when he caught a short crossing route from Miller Moss and then outran Miami's defense for a 35-yard touchdown.

On a critical third-and-3 play early in the fourth quarter, Bell struck again. Out of a timeout, the Cardinals dialed up the perfect call for Bell, who took another underneath route 36 yards for a touchdown. Bell has 31 catches for 441 yards and five touchdowns over Louisville's last three games.

He was already the fifth-highest rated receiver in the CBS Sports NFL Draft Prospect Rankings, but Bell may be rising even higher after another huge performance against Miami's vaunted defense.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 10:41 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami quarterback Carson Beck entered the night as the betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. He was emerging as something a feel-good story: the once-maligned Georgia transfer who overcame offseason surgery to learn a new system and revitalize his career at Miami. Well, after one of the worst performances of his career, Beck will have to work hard over the season's final six games to reclaim that narrative.

This was bad Carson Beck, the version that Georgia fans didn't mind losing. After throwing 12 interceptions last season, he entered Friday with just three picks on the year. But in the first half, the old issues returned as Beck was haunted by a couple of under-throws that Louisville defensive backs picked off.

Both of Beck's fourth quarter interceptions came in Louisville territory. While his last one was tipped at the line of scrimmage, Beck also never appeared to see T.J. Capers breaking on the ball from his linebacker spot. Louisville's defense deserves ample credit for making some serious plays, but there's no sugar-coating that this was a disaster for Beck.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 10:25 pm ET · David Cobb]

FINAL: Louisville 24, Miami 21

Louisville stunned No. 2 Miami 24-21 on Friday night for its first-ever road win over an AP top-5 opponent. The Cardinals jumped out to a 14-0 lead and held on through a tense ending to secure a result that will reverberate through the ACC and all of college football.

Miami (5-1, 1-1 ACC) suffered under the weight of numerous blunders, including four Carson Beck interceptions and several untimely offensive penalties. The Hurricanes were driving in the final minute with a chance to tie the game or take the lead when Beck was picked off for a fourth time.

T.J. Capers made the game-clinching pick with 33 seconds remaining when he jumped a route and corralled a deflected pass to secure a monumental victory for the Cardinals (5-1, 2-1).

Louisville's offense started hot before cooling off. But the Cardinals effectively negated the ferocity of Miami's defensive front with quick passes and timely blows from the running game. The star was senior receiver Chris Bell, who caught two touchdown passes while surpassing 100 yards receiving for a third straight game.

Miami was penalized nine times for 68 yards and never generated a consistent rushing attack. The Hurricanes averaged just 2.6 yards per rush. Isaac Brown finished with 113 yards rushing on 15 carries for the Cardinals.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 10:17 pm ET · David Cobb]

2:00 4Q: Louisville 24, Miami 21

Miami has the football near midfield coming back from the two-minute timeout. The Hurricanes' offense has struggled tonight but has a chance to atone for those struggles with a potential season-defining drive here.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 10:11 pm ET · David Cobb]

4:05 4Q: Louisville 24, Miami 21

Miller Moss had Chris Bell in 1-on-1 coverage over the middle on a third-and-8 play. The ball was perhaps just a tad under-thrown, and Romanas Frederique broke it up. Louisville had to punt, giving the football back to Miami at its own 15-yard line with 4:05 remaining. The Hurricanes looked dead just a few minutes ago but now have the ball with a chance to tie it or take the lead.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 10:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Mid 4Q: Louisville 24, Miami 21

Miami's Keionte Scott may have just saved the night — and the season? — for Miami by forcing an Isaac Brown fumble. The Hurricanes returned it to Louisville's 12-yard line and then scored on a run from Malachi Toney one play later. In a matter of seconds, Miami went from trailing by 11 and playing defense to trailing by just three after a successful 2-point conversion. Scott was the hero of that sequence as he got his helmet on the football and completely altered the tone of this game.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 9:55 pm ET · David Cobb]

Mid 4Q: Louisville 24, Miami 13

Louisville just intercepted Carson Beck for a third time. This time, it was on a fourth-and-4 play, so Beck basically had no choice except to throw the football. He had nothing, and now the Hurricanes are really in a bind. Louisville has the football and an 11-point lead with 7:50 remaining. There is no sugar-coating it: this has been an absolute disaster for Miami's offense.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 9:43 pm ET · David Cobb]

Louisville receiver Chris Bell just went over 100 yards receiving for the third game in a row in an absolutely critical spot. Facing a third-and-short, Jeff Brohm called a timeout to draw up something he liked. It was a slant to Bell, who caught a strike from Miller Moss and then outran Miami — again — for his second touchdown of the night. Bell has earned himself some money tonight, and he just Louisville ahead 24-13.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 9:34 pm ET · David Cobb]

Start 4Q: Louisville 17, Miami 13

Isaac Brown just ripped off a couple of huge plays in the running game to get Louisville into Miami territory to begin the fourth quarter. Cardinals quarterback Miller Moss is struggling for a rhythm in the passing game, but the Cards are moving the football anyway thanks to Brown. Louisville hasn't scored a touchdown since the first quarter as Miami's defense has stepped up. But things could be changing as the fourth quarter arrives with Louisville looking to extend its lead. Of note: Rueben Bain has been incredibly quiet tonight for Miami. The 'Canes star edge rusher has just one tackle. Miami could use a big play from its top star.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 9:27 pm ET · David Cobb]

Late 3Q: Louisville 17, Miami 13

Miami got cute on third-and-2 by bringing a sixth offensive lineman onto the field. The Hurricanes committed a false start, forcing them into a third-and-7. Subsequently, after an incompletion, Mario Cristobal faced a fourth-and-7 decision. He opted to play it safe and take a 41-yard field goal from Carter Davis. But that was a brutal penalty on Miami, which was in the midst of its best drive of the half.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 9:20 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami's defense just forced a Louisville punt for the fifth time in the Cardinals' past six possessions. Now, it's time for the Hurricanes' offense to do its part. Efforts to establish the run have remained unsuccessful for Miami, and Carson Beck hasn't been able to find a rhythm. So much of Miami's attack is predicated on explosive plays, and the Hurricanes could use one here as the fourth quarter creeps closer.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 9:09 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami star receiver CJ Daniels received attention from Miami's training staff after taking a big shot from D'Angelo Hutchinson as he attempted to make a catch over the middle. The collision was so significant that Hutchinson also appeared to be in pain after inflicting the blow. Daniels would have made the catch if Hutchinson hadn't showed up.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 9:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

3Q: Louisville 17, Miami 10

Louisville receiver Chris Bell is closing in on his third straight 100-yard receiving night. His 13-yard grab set Louisville's field-goal drive in motion early in the third quarter. Bell has made five grabs on the night, including a 35-yarder for a touchdown in the first quarter. That was an important series for the Louisville offense to generate something positive after it had been stymied to close the first half.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 8:50 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami needs to eliminate the offensive mistakes. An unsportsmanlike conduct on Francis Mauigoa tanked the Hurricanes' first possession. Two Carson Beck interceptions in the second quarter also hampered the Hurricanes. If Miami can get out of its own way and generate something in the run game, it will be fine. The Hurricanes' defense found a groove in the second quarter. The key for Louisville will be finding a way to get the Hurricanes off-balance again. The Cardinals' game-opening drive was a masterpiece, but it's hard to script things so perfectly during the flow of the game. Louisville may need some more big special teams plays.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 8:33 pm ET · David Cobb]

HALF: Louisville 14, No. 2 Miami 10

No. 2 Miami is in a fight at halftime against Louisville. The Hurricanes struggled to get out of their own way in the first half, with penalties and a pair of Carson Beck interceptions hindering their efforts. Louisville put together a near-perfect game-opening drive aided by a fake field goal. The Miami defense rounded into form in the second quarter, but the Cardinals have done a decent job of avoiding negative plays against a fierce Miami front. The Hurricanes will get the football to begin the third quarter and may want to establish the run after failing to do so in the first half.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 8:21 pm ET · David Cobb]

Late 2Q: Louisville 14, Miami 10

Malachi Toney just flashed his elite speed  in a critical moment for Miami. The once-overlooked freshman took a basic wide receiver screen 61 yards to the Louisville 9-yard line. The Hurricanes stalled out from there and settled for a field goal. But that explosive play was critical for Miami after Carson Beck had been picked off on consecutive possessions. Toney is up to a career-high 108 yards receiving already.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 8:07 pm ET · David Cobb]

For the second series in a row, Carson Beck took a risky deep shot and under threw his receiver. This time he was looking for Keelan Marion down the left sideline. Jabari Mack made an incredible play on the football to return the football to the Cardinals. Louisville's defensive backfield came to play tonight, and Miami's mistakes continue mounting.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 8:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Louisville had creeped back into Miami territory when Keionte Scott came from a corner blitz and wrangled Miller Moss down for the first sack of the game by either team. Louisville lost 12 yards on the play and couldn't get back ahead of the sticks. It's hard to overstate how important of a play that was for the Hurricanes. They still haven't forced a three-and-out, but their pressure is starting to impact Louisville's offense.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 7:53 pm ET · David Cobb]

Carson Beck took a deep shot on first down. He was looking for Malachi Toney down the middle of the field, but Toney was well-blanketed, and Beck too much air under the football. Louisville's Antonio Watts ran under it and made a great tumbling interception to squash Miami's momentum. Offensive mistakes are handicapping the Canes early. That was Watts' third INT of the season.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 7:50 pm ET · David Cobb]

Louisville rattled off a couple of quick first downs on its third series to close the first quarter. But Miami's defense started making Miller Moss uncomfortable to start the second quarter. He threw behind a receiver, was almost intercepted on the next play and was then flushed from the pocket on third down and misfired while on the run. That was a much better sequence from the 'Canes defense after a couple of shaky possessions to start.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 7:35 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami just issued an impressive response to Louisville's early flurry. Carson Beck began the series with consecutive 30+ yard completions to CJ Daniels and Malachi Toney before Mark Fletcher Jr. finished off the 5-play scoring drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. Daniels and Toney have been studs for Miami all season, and Beck continues to benefit from the upgrade in receiver play he's enjoying at Miami.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 7:29 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miller Moss just hit Chris Bell on a short crossing route and let Bell do the rest. The veteran speedster outran the Miami defense to cap a quick score for the Cardinals. Hard to imagine a more disastrous start for Miami, which entered as a double-digit favorite. The 'Canes are now facing a 14-0 hole after dominating most opponents during a 5-0 start.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 7:24 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami star left tackle Francis Mauigoa picked a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty for slamming a Louisville player after the whistle. That turned a third-and-5 into a third-and-20 and torpedoed Miami's opening possession. Caullin Lacy promptly returned the punt 16 yards into Miami territory. This start couldn't have been much worse for the Hurricanes, who are down 7-0 and in need of a defensive stop.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 7:16 pm ET · David Cobb]

Louisville scripted its first drive to near-perfection, marching straight down the field for an 11-play touchdown drive on Miami's vaunted defense. The Cardinals didn't face a third down until third-and-2 from the Miami 4-yard line. Miller Moss threw an incompletion, which forced Jeff Brohm into a critical early decision. He trotted the field goal unit out but then ran a fake with holder David Chapeau picking up three yards for a first down. Moss snuck the football in on the following play to give the Cardinals an early 7-0 lead.

[Oct 17, 2025 at 7:01 pm ET · David Cobb]

Carson Beck has been holding steady in the 10-20 range of the CBS Sports Quarterback Power Rankings this season. Louisville's Miller Moss began the season ranked but has been outside the top 50 for most of the year. A good game against the Hurricanes could change that.

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David Cobb

[Oct 17, 2025 at 6:50 pm ET · David Cobb]

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At the first two positions -- quarterback and running back -- the midseason ballot was virtually unrecognizable in comparison to the preseason ballot. Of the five quarterbacks who received votes from our panel of 16 experts for Midseason All-American, not a single one received a preseason vote. Miami is strongly represented on the CBS Sports midseason All-American list. The Hurricanes produced all four of the ACC's representatives.

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[Oct 17, 2025 at 6:35 pm ET · Chinmay Vaidya]

Miami is rolling right now. The Hurricanes have passed every test on the schedule and this is likely to be the last true challenge before a potential ACC title game bout with Georgia Tech. The Cardinals are coming off a tough overtime loss to Virginia. Louisville has a good roster but going on the road against the No. 2 team in the nation is not a great spot. Back Miami to win this comfortably and cover as a two-touchdown favorite.

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[Oct 17, 2025 at 6:18 pm ET · Daniel Kohn]

Carson Beck and the second-ranked Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes look to stay perfect on the season when they battle the Louisville Cardinals in an ACC matchup on Friday night. Louisville is coming off a 30-27 overtime loss to Virginia on Oct. 4, while Miami defeated Florida State 28-22 that same night. The Cardinals (4-1, 1-1 ACC), who are 0-1 against ranked opponents, are 1-0 on the road this season. The Hurricanes (5-0, 1-0 ACC), who are 2-0 against unranked opponents, are 4-0 on their home field in 2025.

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[Oct 17, 2025 at 6:00 pm ET · Blake Brockermeyer]

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Miami has three of the top-15 players on the midseason 150 list. Eight Hurricanes in total appear in the ranking. Louisville has three players represented.

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