Miami Hurricanes vs Louisville Cardinals: History Lesson

Hall of Fame Connection (Please induct him already)

Dec 28, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls head coach Howard Schnellenberger wears a custom-made hat on the sidelines during the first quarter of the Russell Athletic Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

The man, the myth, the legend of Hurricane and Louisville football: Howard Schnellenberger

Miami 1979-1983

Record: 41-16

Howard Schnellenberger is best known for building the University of Miami program to prominence while leading them to their very first national title in 1983 with Jim Kelly at Quarterback. Howard started recruiting South Florida for Miami which set up “the fence around South Florida” and stapled a recruiting basis for years to come. Miami fans are utmost grateful for what “Schnelly” brought to the program because he ultimately began one of the best college football programs of all time.

Louisville 1985-1994

Record: 54-56-2

In 1985, Schellenberger took the reigns over the University of Louisville program. The program was struggling to find their way and administration thought about dropping the football program. In his first three years, he went 8-24-1. After those unsuccessful years, he was able to turn the program around by leading the Cardinals to multiple wins in bowl games and getting the program ranked nationally.

Three Memorable Moments:

Miami vs Louisville 2004

“Big time players make big time plays in big time games” -Santana Moss

Chilling Highlights from canefreak2001 on Youtube

Most Miami fans can’t forget the unforgettable Punt Return from all-time great Devin Hester. Miami was down 31-28 in the 4th Quarter with 8:27 to go. Miami needed a big time play in a big time game and Devin Hester delivered. Brandon Meriweather’s big hit at the 5:35 in the video reminds us of what we come to know as “Miami Football” of hard nose defense and big time hits.

Hester’s game changing Punt Return in 2004. Image Courtesy to Allen Eyestone at the Palm Beach Post

Two More Moments that we all remember.

2006

I said we all remember, right? Well not for the good. Miami played Lousiville in 2006 at Louisville. A very unforgettable moment we all remember, is Miami players stomping on the Lousiville logo disrespecting the Cardinals. We all thought that was part of the “swagger.” Take a look at 1:10 mark in Youtube video, if you want to reflect on the swagger. Sad thing is that Miami could not back their actions. Miami was ranked #17 at the time and was defeated 31-7.

2013 Russell Athletic Bowl

In Al Golden’s first bowl game at Miami, they met Louisville once again led by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The game look to be promising in the first half for Miami looking somewhat solid on defense. However, Miami’s offense could not get anything mustard and did not convert on 3rd downs. Bridgewater, originally committed to Miami, carved up the defense throwing for 447 yards while completing 33-45 passes. Miami’s defense made Bridgewater look like a NFL first rounder. The good news is that he actually was a 1st Rounder. Miami would lose 36-9 disappointingly.

LETS GO

Are you ready for some football? I am.

On Labor Day Night, Miami vs. Louisville shall make history one way or another. We all look forward to the opener, and possibly some players will break some historical records. Maybe that is just wishful thinking, but nevertheless football is back upon us, and it’s awesome. Go Canes.

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