Miami must game plan for these Louisville offensive stars

The Louisville Cardinals possess a powerful offense, averaging 36.17 points per game through the first half of the season. The number is somewhat skewed due to a 62-point performance against Austin Peay and a 49-point performance against Jacksonville State. But the Cardinals have still scored at least 24 points in each game they've played.

The Miami Hurricanes have proven they can match with anybody in a shootout, but it'll be a tall task for them to defeat Louisville on their home turf if their offense is firing on all cylinders. Louisville's offensive attack is balanced, led by Texas Tech transfer quarterback Tyler Shough.

Shough hasn't been lighting the world on fire, but he's been very reliable averaging 279 passing yards a game with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. Two other members of the Cardinals offense that form a formidable trio with Shough are true freshman running back Isaac Brown and Alabama transfer wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks.

Brown, from Homestead, has been phenomenal in his rookie campaign, totaling 508 yards on 8.6 yards per carry through the first half of the season. Brooks has been another revelation, recording 572 yards and six touchdowns on 19.1 yards per reception.

Brooks is already closing in on his career highs for receptions, yards, and touchdowns just six games into the season. With Shough, Brown, and Brooks, the Cardinals' offense can make life tough on anybody. So what should be the formula for the Miami Hurricanes to shut them down?

It has to start with eliminating Brown and Brooks, their primary playmakers. If Brown is struggling and Brooks is taken care of, Shough might not have a reliable playmaker to get the ball to. Behind Ja'Corey Brooks' 30 catches, the next-highest reception total on the team is Isaac Brown with 14. After that? Receiver Chris Bell with 13.

Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and the Miami Hurricanes must neutralize Brooks by forcing Shough to target other receivers. This could involve doubling Brooks, bracketing him, or having a cornerback shadow him throughout the game. Miami cannot afford to let Brooks consistently find open space.

Shutting down Brown will be difficult. Miami did an outstanding job against Cal, holding the team to 73 yards on 25 carries, but they allowed Jaydn Ott and Jaivian Thomas to make plays as receivers. Combined, they had four catches for 131 yards and a touchdown.

Brown is another factor that needs to be taken care of. Miami can stuff the box, they can have Kiko Mauigoa assigned to him throughout the game. Whatever the strategy, Miami cannot have Brown dictate the game like Bhayshul Tuten did in their contest with Virginia Tech.

Miami's success in this game hinges on their ability to contain Brown and Brooks. By limiting big plays, they can force Shough and the Louisville offense into difficult situations. However, if Miami fails to stifle the Louisville offense, the game could be a long one for the Hurricanes, potentially resulting in their first loss.