The Road to Charlotte runs this week through South Florida, with second-ranked Miami set to host Louisville in the opening act of our rare ACC Football Friday double-dip.
The ‘Canes are a two-touchdown favorite, but Louisville, whose only loss this season came in OT to #18 Virginia, could make this one interesting, at the least.
The nightcap has UNC and Bill Belichick traveling to Cal in search of their first Power 4 win in 2025.
Louisville at #2 Miami | 7 p.m. ET
Series: Miami leads series, 12-4-1
Last meeting: Miami, 52-45 (2024)
TV: ESPN
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 84 / SiriusXM 371
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 84 / SiriusXM 371
Line: Miami -13.5
Over/under: 51.5
Projected final score: Miami 33, Louisville 20
Game Notes: Louisville and Miami will face off Friday night for The Schnellenberger Trophy, honoring legendary coach Howard Schnellenberger, who led both programs to national prominence. The trophy features a bronzed pair of the coach’s iconic western boots.
This matchup features two of the ACC’s top defenses, with Louisville allowing just 262.0 yards per game and Miami 276.4, both ranking in the top 16 nationally. Both teams have also forced nine turnovers, tied for third in the league, while averaging 400+ yards of offense per game.
The quarterback battle is one to watch. Miami’s Carson Beck leads the ACC in completion rate (73.0%) and passing efficiency (168.5), while Louisville’s Miller Moss tops the conference in completions per game (24.0) and ranks third in passing yards per game (271.6).
UNC at Cal | 10:30 p.m. ET
Series: California leads series, 2-0-0
Last meeting: California, 24-17 (2018)
TV: ESPN
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 84 / SiriusXM 371
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 84 / SiriusXM 371
Line: Cal -10.5
Over/under: 47.5
Projected final score: Cal 28, UNC 17
Game Notes: Cal leads the all-time series 2-0, winning both matchups in 2017 and 2018. North Carolina enters at 0-1 in ACC play after a home loss to Clemson on Oct. 4, while Cal looks to bounce back after a Week 6 setback to Duke.
The Tar Heels have been one of the cleanest teams in the nation, drawing just 25 penalties — the fewest in the ACC and the ninth fewest nationally. Defensively, UNC has been elite in the red zone, allowing opponents to score on just 65.0% of trips, ranking fourth nationally.
Cal opened the season 4-1, including a road win at Boston College to open ACC play, and has been strong against the pass, holding opponents to 206.8 passing yards per game, fourth-best in the league. Freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has impressed early, completing 130 passes for 1,487 yards and nine touchdowns — one of just three freshmen nationally to hit those marks.
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Chris Graham
