The Miami defensive line, which has been praised as one of the best, if not the top one nationally, faces a Louisville defensive line that has struggled throughout most of the 2025 season. Miami should have a significant advantage on Friday night.
Pro Football Focus analysts Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman have usually mentioned Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain first when discussing the Hurricanes. Wasserman examined what to expect when Miami is on defense against Louisville on Friday night.
Wasserman stated, "Blocking Miami’s outstanding defensive line is the first priority in attempting to beat the Hurricanes this season." Bain is third nationally in PFF pass rush grade and pressure rate and Miami is first nationally in pass rush win rate by a wide margin per Wasserman.
Bain, Akheem Mesidor and the Miami DL will play a Louisville OL that is 104th in PFF pass blocking grade and quarterback Miller Moss, who has an anemic 35.0 passing grade under pressure in 2025 per Wasserman. The Miami DL has been dominant throughout most of their 2025 games.
Miami is 43rd nationally, averaging 6.2 tackles per loss and 45th, averaging 2.40 sacks per game. The TFL and sack numbers for Miami belie their pass rush grade and pressure rate. Bain has 29 pressures in 155 pass rush snaps for a 28.6 percent pass rush win rate in 2025.
Louisville is 117th, allowing 6.4 TFLs and 113t,h permitting 2.6 sacks per game. Wasserman observed that Moss, with limited mobility, will need to have a quick release versus the vaunted Miami DL on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami is 14th nationally allowing 87.40 rushing yards per game, 13th permitting 2.82 yards per carry and tied for second, holding opponents to two rushing touchdowns. Louisville is 113th, averaging 115.00 rushing YPG, 100th posting 3.83 YPC and 67th with 10 rushing TDs.
Louisville leading rusher, Isaac Brown, is a threat every time he touches the ball with 46 carries for 334 yards and three TDs. Backup RB Keyjuan Brown has 25 carries for 126 yards and three scores. Expect Miami to focus on shutting down the Louisville running game and get the Cardinals behind the sticks.