ESPN College Game Day picked Miami nearly unanimously over Louisville
The ESPN College Gameday crew picked Miami nearly unanimously at Louisville on Saturday. Kirk Herbstreit was the lone holdout to pick Louisville. Fan Duel lists Miami as a 4.5-point favorite and minus 172 on the money line. Louisville is plus 142 on the money line. The ESPN Football Power Index gives Miami a 55.9 percent chance to win.
Miami should remain on the ESPN Gameday picks for the remainder of the season if they keep winning. As the sixth-ranked team nationally, Miami is in the middle of the competition to earn a College Football Playoff berth. Entering week eight, Miami is the highest-ranked ACC team.
The top four conference winners nationally will have a bye to the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoffs. Miami would be the third seed. Texas would be the top seed as the highest ranked SEC team and Oregon who is ranked second nationally would be the second seed as the top Big 10 team.
The ESPN Gameday crew projected a high scoring game between two of the best offenses in the ACC. Miami leads the ACC averaging 47.7 points per game. Louisville is sixth in the ACC averaging 36.2 points per game. Miami and Louisville are also two of the most explosive offensive teams in the ACC.
Noon ET. 834. ABC. Miami at Louisville. 4-2. 438. Miami -4.5. 6-0. Saturday, October 19
Desmond Howard-I think it's going to be a shootout, a high-scoring game. I do think that late in the game Cam Ward will put his cape on and play captain save the team. I think the 'Canes will win again.
Saban-I'm going to take Miami. Too good a passing team. Louisville has struggled to stop the pass so I think that's going to give Miami an opportunity to score lots of points.
Pat McAfee-(Miami) feels like a team of destiny...There is no way I am picking Louisville where I am sitting at this particular time.
Golfer Scottie Scheffler-Not to bring anything personal to this. Louisville great city, great people, but I think Miami is going to smoke them.
Lee Corso- Miami's quick score offense it too much for them (Louisville). Miami close, real close.
Kirk Herbstreit-I am picking the upset. This is an upset special. Tyler Shough, Ja'Corey Harris (sic), outscore Miami. I think Louisville wins.
Miami will attempt to cover versus Louisville after not getting close in their last two games. The Hurricanes are 3-3 versus the point spread this season. Miami has been challenged in their first two ACC games with a 38-34 win over Virginia Tech and a 39-38 victory at California.