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Miami needs strong start versus Louisville defense with opening drive struggles

Miami needs a strong opening drive of the game offensively versus a Louisville defense that has struggled recently when opponents have their first offensive series of the game.

By Alan Rubenstein

Nov 18, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (22) runs with the football against Louisville Cardinals defensive back Devin Neal (27) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Nov 18, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (22) runs with the football against Louisville Cardinals defensive back Devin Neal (27) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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After 20 straight games not allowing points on the opponents' opening drives, Louisville has allowed a touchdown on their first defensive possession in each of the past three games. Miami had three touchdowns and a field goal on the opening drive in the first four games in 2024.

Miami had a fumble and a punt in the first two ACC games. The Hurricanes are eighth nationally scoring 10.4 points in the first quarter in 2024. Louisville is 126th nationally allowing 9.8 points per game in the first quarter. The trend favors the Miami offense getting off to a good start on Saturday.

After Louisville scored a TD on its opening drive at Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish went 12 plays and 75 yards in 6:08 to tie the score at seven. Notre Dame added two more first-quarter TDs on their way to a 31-24 win. Louisville got within one score three times, but was not able to tie the game.

SMU scored TDs on each of their first two first-quarter drives in a wild opening 15 minutes at Louisville. Louisville trailed 14-10 at the end of the first quarter in a 34-27 loss. SMU outscored Louisville 10-3 in the second quarter to lead 24-13 at halftime. Louisville outscored SMU 14-10 in the second half.

Overall Miami has the best offense in the ACC by over 100 yards averaging 583.8 total yards per game. Louisville has the third-ranked ACC defense allowing 317.1 yards per game. Louisville has gotten off to good starts offensively this season averaging 7.6 points in the first quarter, which is 26th nationally.

Miami is 64th nationally allowing an average of 5.2 points in the first quarter. If Miami can extend the streak of Louisville allowing a TD on its opening drive to four games, the Hurricanes will have a chance to take the crowd out of the game early. Miami can't have a double-digit deficit for the third straight game.

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