Louisville vs Miami Odds: CFP Chase, Key Matchups & Pick

N.C. State vs Miami N.C. State vs Miami

Louisville vs Miami odds headline one of Week 8’s national windows as No. 2 Miami continues its CFP push and Louisville brings a pressure-heavy front into primetime. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN in Miami, a marquee spot that should concentrate public handle on the favorite.

For full Week 8 opening lines and early moves, see our Week 8 Odds & Early Line Moves hub.

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Louisville vs Miami odds — Opening numbers

Spread: Miami −13.5 (−115) / Louisville +13.5 (−105)

Total: 53

Moneyline: Miami −575 / Louisville +400

Matchup: Cards’ pressure plan vs Canes’ protection

Louisville’s defensive identity revolves around generating pressure with varied fronts and simulated pressure looks, trying to win early downs and force behind-schedule snaps. That’s the one lever that can pry this favorite open. If Miami keeps the pocket clean and avoids drive-killing sacks, the Canes’ offense stays on schedule and leverages short fields.

Quarterback & skill talent snapshot

Miami’s offense is now led by transfer QB Carson Beck, who arrived from Georgia and headlines a balanced passing structure. Louisville’s 2025 production card shows Miller Moss atop the passing board, with Chris Bell a featured target and freshman RB help stabilizing early downs on offense. The Cardinals need a handful of explosives (or short fields from pressure) to offset Miami’s efficiency when ahead. (Player leadership/production references: preseason and early-season reports.)

Tempo, leverage & finishing drives

With a two-score spread, possession count matters. If Miami builds a lead, expect a measured second-half tempo that bleeds clock and leans on the run game. Louisville’s route back inside the number is classic: a couple of short fields from pressure, a special teams swing, and at least one explosive scoring drive before halftime.

Market notes: numbers to monitor

Books have toggled between −13.5 and −14 this week as limits tick up. That’s a classic hinge for national TV favorites: public tickets press toward the key number, while sharper entries often wait to buy the dog at +14. Totals action has hovered in the low-to-mid 50s; any late upgrades at WR/CB can nudge this higher, while pass-rush availability leans Under.

Louisville vs Miami prediction & expert pick

Miami’s offensive efficiency and situational defense at home are a tough profile to fade below two touchdowns. Louisville’s defensive front can create volatility and a few high-leverage spots, but the more common script is Canes by multiple scores with a slower fourth quarter.

Pick: Miami −13.5 (−115). Secondary lean: Under 53 if both edge rotations are intact; Over only with clear late upgrades to perimeter skill groups.

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