Brown: U of L football no longer has to prove itself vs Miami, but it needs statement win

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The Louisville and Miami football rivalry has evolved into a matchup between equals, a shift from the early 2000s when Miami was a dominant force.

Both programs share a foundational history through former coach Howard Schnellenberger, with the winner now receiving the Schnellenberger Trophy.

Despite the rivalry's current significance, the ACC did not make Louisville and Miami permanent opponents in its new scheduling model.

Back when Brian Brohm was playing quarterback for Louisville football , the Miami game was a “litmus test” against “ the team in college football” in the early 2000s and a chance to make a statement nationally for the Cardinals ’ program.

It’s 20 years later and Friday’s game against the No. 2 Hurricanes still has big stakes for U of L,