Colleges

NO. 17 Miami(1-1) at NO. 12 Louisville (2-0), 3:30

By MICHAEL SNYDER
Published September 16, 2006

A must-win game in Week 3? If the Hurricanes aspire to play for a national championship, the answer is an unqualified yes. Miami could lose and still play for an ACC championship, but that's not where the bar is set. The 'Canes, four-point underdogs to the high-octane Cardinals, know a statement is needed. The Cardinals have the nation's No. 1 offense, averaging 61 points. The last time the teams met - at the Orange Bowl two seasons ago - Miami fell behind 24-7 before winning 41-38. Louisville has made huge strides to national prominence under coach Bobby Petrino and has won 17 of its past 18 at home. Miami's offense looked solid last weekend (but it was FAMU) as Javarris James, Charlie Jones, Tyrone Moss and Derron Thomas ran the ball well and the line protected Kyle Wright as UM gained 563 yards. The defense will be challenged, as Louisville also has a stable of running backs, even though it lost Heisman candidate Michael Bush to a broken leg. Louisville's offense is all about quarterback Brian Brohm, who has 561 yards passing in two games.

[Last modified September 16, 2006, 02:25:39]