The Howard Schnellenbarger Trophy

Series History

The rivalry between Miami and Louisville isn't one of the premier rivalries in college football. Still, it got introduced as one in the new scheduling of the ACC, with three protected games for each team. Miami's teams were protected to play against Virginia Tech, Florida State, and Louisville, marking the beginning of The Howard Schnellebarger Trophy. Howard Schnellenbarger was a legendary head coach who put Miami on the map, winning the program's first championship in 1983, and from 1985 to 1994, he coached Louisville. From 1933 to the present day, the programs have met 17 times, with Miami owning a record of 12-4-1, but from 2004 to 2024, the series is tied four games apiece. With the incorporation of The Howard Schnellebarger Trophy, it's a one-to-one match. Again, it's not an iconic rivalry, but it's a fun ACC rivalry that will always be a fun one to watch.

Keys to the Game

Miami needs to put the pedal to the metal and not let up. The offense needs to pound the rock and avoid turnovers, because Louisville might have a 13.5-point underdog, but they have a chance to upset the number 2-ranked team in the nation. But we have Carson Beck, and he's the kind of Quarterback who is very smart and makes the right plays. Defense needs to continue being the dominant team they've shown all year. Ruebain Bane and Akheem Mesidor will once again be ballers, and don't expect anything less.

Louisville needs to come out and play fun because anything can happen, especially with a 4-1 record. If you can pull off upsetting an undefeated Miami, the second-ranked team in the nation, it will give you a lot of confidence to finish out the year. It could play for an ACC Championship. I don't know much about Louisville. Whenever they play, I'm either at work or watching the Canes play, but it feels like it can be a tricky game. 

Prediction

Miami needs to impose its will, and Mario can't afford to play a "not to lose" mindset. They need to come out and play a full four-quarter game; they shouldn't make it this close, because we need to prove to everyone that the Hurricanes deserve to play for the College Football Playoffs. Louisville will come out and play Miami hard, but with the way Miami runs the ball and the defensive line plays, it's gonna wear the Cardinals out. They will likely be done by halftime. But if Miami doesn't play a full four-quarter game and Louisville gains momentum, they can find a way to get back into the game and feel very confident about winning. Overall, I don't see Miami losing this game because Mario, the players, and the coaching staff are pushing back against the media, and they will come out and be prepared. Go Canes.