MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — After seeing their perfect start come to an end, the ninth-ranked Miami Hurricanes are trying to regroup before another primetime test at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami (5-1) enters Saturday’s matchup against Stanford looking to shake off last week’s 24-21 loss to Louisville — a game that snapped the Hurricanes’ 10-game home winning streak.
Before last Friday’s loss, the last team to beat Miami at home was Louisville — back in 2023.
The defeat marked Miami’s first of the season after five straight wins, including victories over three top-25 opponents.
Quarterback Carson Beck struggled against the Cardinals, throwing four interceptions and failing to record a touchdown pass for just the second time this year.
One of his would-be picks was erased by a roughing the passer penalty. Miami still had a late chance to tie or win, but a series of mistakes sealed the upset.
Stanford (3-4, 2-2 ACC) arrives in South Florida fresh off a 20-13 win over Florida State, its first road victory of the season.
Under interim head coach Frank Reich and general manager Andrew Luck — both with NFL experience — the Cardinal have steadied themselves after a turbulent start and a midseason coaching change.
Saturday’s matchup will mark the first-ever meeting between Miami and Stanford.
The Cardinal’s strength lies in their ground game, led by freshman Cole Tabb, who earned ACC rookie and running back of the week honors after rushing for 118 yards on 28 carries against Florida State.
Miami’s defense, though, ranks among the ACC’s best — first in scoring defense and top three in both rushing and passing yards allowed.
Stanford’s defense, meanwhile, has struggled, giving up 27.7 points per game and ranking near the bottom of the ACC in total defense. Opposing quarterbacks have averaged more than 300 passing yards against the Cardinal, the second-worst mark in the conference.
That could open the door for Beck and Miami’s offense to get back on track.
The Hurricanes are averaging 147 rushing yards per game, ranking 79th nationally, but have allowed only three tackles for loss per contest — the third-best mark in the country.
Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. leads Miami with 446 yards and six touchdowns, while transfer CharMar Brown has added 234 yards and four scores.
Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson may look to spread the field more after Miami’s ground attack leaned heavily on inside runs against Louisville.
Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson, who has thrown for 1,535 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions, is expected to play after leaving last week’s game with a knee injury.
Kickoff between Miami and Stanford is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium.
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