Miami Hurricanes vs Louisville Cardinals: Three X-factors For Each Team

As the Miami Hurricanes roll into Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on Labor Day night, they will be looking to avenge a horrific defeat in last year’s Russell Athletic Bowl. Although last year’s matchup between the ‘Canes and Cards was less than a year ago, both teams look significantly different this time around (and I’m not just talking about each teams new uniforms).

The Cardinals lost their starting quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, to the draft and many other talented players at the end of last year. Louisville also went through a complete overhaul of the coaching staff when Charlie Strong left for Texas and Bobby Petrino was brought in…again. There has already been reports of infighting between the Cardinals’ new coaching staff. The Cardinals have lost some big names due to injury as well. Devante Parker, one of the best receivers in the country will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken foot and UL’s running back Michael Dyer is questionable for Monday nights’ matchup with a thigh contusion.

The Canes are also a much different team now compared to what they were in last year’s Russell Athletic Bowl. The Canes will get back Heisman candidate Duke Johnson and senior receiver Phillip Dorsett. Both missed last year’s game vs. Louisville due to injuries. The man under center for Miami will also be very different this time around. The Canes lost senior QB Stephen Morris, who had a good arm, but was extremely inconsistent and inaccurate. The Canes managed to stay relatively healthy over the offseason, losing only Rashawn Scott and Rayshawn Jenkins to injuries.

As both of these new look teams attempt to start off the season, and ACC play, with a win Monday night, here are the three X-factors that each will need to show up.

The X-Factors for Louisville are:

1. Will Gardner

Although all the talk has been about the Canes breaking in a new QB, Louisville will be doing the same. Will Gardner will have some big shoes to fill when he steps out on the field vs Miami. Gardner will be trying to replace 1st round draft pick, Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater shredded the Canes, and most defenses last season, with both his arm and his feet. Bridgewater didn’t run much, but did use his mobility to expertly avoid pass rushers. Gardner is not nearly as elusive as Bridgewater and the Canes should have a much easier time trying to contain him. Gardner is a redshirt sophomore, but has very little experience heading into this matchup. Will Gardner has thrown 12 career passes, all occurring in blowouts vs. lower caliber teams. The Cards will need a big game from him if they want to win.

2. Tobijah Hughley

“The offensive line, quite frankly, still has a lot of work to do before September 1st. – Courier-Journal”

The Cardinals will be starting Tobijah Hughley at center. Hughley is a walk on with very little experience that just earned a scholarship a few weeks ago. Hughley will be the anchor of the Cardinals offensive line that needs to improve. Last week, the Courier-Journal, a Louisville newspaper, said the offensive line “Quite frankly, still has a lot of work to do before September 1st.” Louisville’s offensive line will be very important as they try to protect their new starting quarterback and open lanes for a running back position that may be missing its best player in Michael Dyer.

3. All of the receivers

After losing by far the best receiver on the team and one of the top receivers in the country, Devante Parker, the Cardinals will need a big group effort from the rest of the receivers. While the Cardinals still has some talented receivers on the roster like Eli Rogers, James Quick, and Kai De La Cruz, none of them are anywhere near as explosive or skilled as Parker is. Parker is constantly on “freak lists” for his incredible athleticism and losing him is a massive blow to UL’s offense. It is going to take a big collective effort from the remaining receivers to try to make up for the loss of Parker.

The X-Factors for Miami are:

1. Brad Kaaya

With Stephen Morris leaving, the Canes will look to Brad Kaaya to take the reigns of this offense. Kaaya is a true freshman, but is extremely talented. Even before beating out senior transfer Jake Heaps for the starting job, the hype around Kaaya from fans, media and even coaches was huge. Brad Kaaya has been extremely accurate and smart with the ball in camp, two things Morris really struggled with. Kaaya has not been rattled by anything in camp and has consistently been impressive with both his arm talent and decision making. Kaaya will have one of the best collections of skill players around him, as well as a solid and experienced offensive line. If the true freshman can avoid bad decisions with the ball and get it in the hands of his talented backs and receivers, the Canes will likely leave Louisville with a win.

2. Duke Johnson

When Duke Johnson went down with a broken ankle vs. Florida State, the whole dynamic of the season and the offense changed. Duke was the heart of the offense and the team, the Canes were 7-0 when Johnson was healthy and 2-4 after he got hurt. Getting one of the most electric playmakers in the country back from injury will be a huge boost to the Canes. Duke has looked better than ever this camp, running his fastest forty ever while adding on about 15lbs of muscle. Duke looks primed to have a huge game vs. UL and will make Kaaya’s — or any quarterback’s — job a whole lot easier.

3. The Defensive Line

Yes, I know at this point it has become redundant, but the defensive line must improve. The Canes have gotten an influx of highly talented recruits over the offseason in the form of true freshman and junior college transfers. The Canes defensive line was man handled in the second half of last years bowl game, partially due to the offenses inability to keep the ball. Bridgewater was rarely under pressure and managed to elude any defenders that were able to get to him.

With the additions of highly skilled pass rushers Chad Thomas and Trent Harris to go along with Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tyriq McCord and Anthony Chickillo, the Canes should be more successful at applying pressure this season. Hybrid DE-DT Ufomba Kamalu will likely see a lot of playing time and can make a big impact. The defensive tackle spot also received big upgrades with JUCO transfers Michael Wyche and Calvin Heurtelou as well as freshman Anthony Moten and Courtel Jenkins. Wyche needs to get in better shape but should still see some playing time. On the other hand, Heurtelou and Moten are in great shape and along with Olsen Pierre, should help the Canes improve in the interior of the defensive line.

Home/Miami Hurricanes News