Miami 21 Louisville 20: First Half Thoughts and Statistics

Article photo of Miami wide receiver Brashard Smith; credit to AllHurricanes.

If you're a football fan who likes explosive offensive plays, the Louisville Cardinals at Miami Hurricanes football game has been for you! Miami leads Louisville 21-20 at halftime.

Here are a few thoughts, followed by the statistics.

1) Tyler Van Dyke Looks Really Good.

Tyler Van Dyke made quick decisions, he's been accurate, and he's been happy to run when it was available. Van Dyke threw a tremendous deep ball to Jacolby George that led to a 21-yard rushing touchdown for Mark Fletcher, Jr.

He also hit Colbie Young on three short passes that gave his receiver a great chance to make a catch. Overall, hats off to Van Dyke for what he did through one half of play.

Plus, he was absolutely given the short end of the stick with a missed interference call in the end zone because Young was absolutely interfered with.

2) Brashard Smith has been a weapon again.

It does not take much room for Brashard Smith to find a crease, and then before you've noticed, he found his way to the end zone. He was on an entirely different level with that reverse for a touchdown. Smith has once again shown his incredible big-play talent.

3) Welcome back Xavier Restrepo.

After not catching a pass versus Florida State, Restrepo has been clutch versus the Cardinals. He's caught 4 passes for 73 yards, an 18.3 average, and a touchdown. He's always had a connection with Van Dyke, and today's first half was further proof.

4) Miami's defense has been challenged but has battled and made plays.

Louisville's play calling was superb, and the Cardinals executed play fakes and then connected with key passing plays, early on. Later on, Miami safety Kamren Kinchens had a big interception. That was part of holding Louisville to only 20 points, as crazy as that may have sounded.

As the contest moved forward, Miami's passing defense played better. Louisville quarterback Jack Plummer has been forced into several tough throws and only averaged 6.1 per passing attempt.

5) Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo has been elite.

At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, that's a big-time athlete with Isaac Guerendo. He's moved the pile and made Miami defenders miss. Hard to say how the Canes will look to corral him during the second half.

Here were the key statistics from the first half of action.

Miami total yards: 222

Miami rushing statistics: 13 carries, 81 yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns

Tyler Van Dyke passing statistics: 11 of 16, 141 yards, and 1 touchdown

Louisville total yards: 252

Louisville rushing yards: 16 carries, 100 yards, 6.3 yard average, and 1 touchdown

Jack Plummer passing statistics: 16 of 25, 152 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception