Today’s game

Louisville vs. Wake Forest

Where: Dolphin Stadium, Miami.

Time: 5 p.m. TV: Fox

Records: Louisville 11-1, Wake Forest 11-2.

Key stats: Louisville is second nationally in total offense (476.8 ypg). Wake Forest is 10th nationally in scoring defense (14.7 ppg).

The game: Wake Forest, unquestionably, is the nation’s biggest surprise, and Jim Grobe deserved all the coach-of-the-year honors he received. Defense keyed the Demon Deacons this season, and Wake forced 29 turnovers (including 22 interceptions), a big reason it had a plus-14 turnover margin. LB Jon Abbate (105 tackles) and FS Josh Gattis (73 tackles, five picks) are the standouts.

The offense isn’t much (301.2 ypg), ranking 97th nationally; the passing attack (148.3 ypg) is especially weak. Yet there’s a reason Wake has 11 wins: The offense seems to make a big play when it’s needed. The Demon Deacons use a variety of formations and a lot of motion. Redshirt freshman QB Riley Skinner has been mistake-free and must continue in that mode tonight.

Louisville is a three-point loss at Rutgers away from being undefeated. QB Brian Brohm heads a powerful offense (38.9 ppg, tied for third in the nation), one that has scored at least 44 points six times. A tailback-by- committee approach has worked quite well (190.3 rushing ypg), with all three players (Anthony Allen, Kolby Smith and George Stripling) former Florida high school stars. WRs Harry Douglas and Mario Urrutia combined for 113 receptions, and they’re the best duo Wake will see this season. TE Gary Barnidge is a dangerous third option.

The defense has good stats, but the Cardinals can be run on. That has to worry Louisville coaches and bring a gleam to the eye of Wake’s coaches. One Cardinals positive: Louisville is second in the nation with 41 sacks.

Both have good kickers, Wake with Sam Swank and Louisville with Groza Award winner Art Carmody.

Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel