FSU Preview: Florida State vs. Louisville

This Saturday the ‘Noles will host the Louisville Cardinals at 3:30 on ESPN2.

Louisville is 2-1 with wins over Eastern Kentucky and Central Florida with the loss coming against Ole Miss.

In last year’s contest the Cardinals crushed the Seminoles 48-16. FSU leads the all-time series 16-5.

Observations from the last game

The Seminoles committed 6 turnovers and that is not good enough to beat anyone. This gave Wake Forest short fields or took away points from FSU. The Seminole defense performed admirably considering the bad positions they were put in and having to be out there for 40 more plays than their counterpart.

The offense found a rhythm with Jordan Travis at quarterback, but early in the 3^rd quarter he suffered a shoulder injury that knocked him out of the game.

Florida State offense versus Louisville defense

With Jordan Travis most likely unavailable to play due to his injury, Norvell has named McKenzie Milton the starter. If Milton struggles again, I would like to see Chubba Purdy get a shot at QB. In the past two games FSU has actually gained more yards per play than their opponents but of course the 7 turnovers and costly penalties have made it hard to score points.

FSU will need to continue relying on the running game with Jashaun Corbin and Treshaun Ward to set up the pass. Having left tackle Robert Scott and center Maurice Smith back in the line up should be able to help keep the offense on schedule and set up more opportunities to score points.

Florida State defense vs Louisville offense

The Louisville offense is led by Malik Cunningham, who is 15^th in the FBS in total offense with 313 yards per game. Cunningham’s favorite target is tight end Marshon Ford (13 receptions for 156 yards) but his big play receiver is Ahmari Huggins-Bruce. Running back Jalen Mitchell gets the bulk of the carries with Hassan Hall backing him up. The Cardinals offense likes to use their speed to stretch out the defense and if they are able to do this, they like to throw the ball to Ford in the middle of the field.

Last year Louisville punished the Seminoles with outside run plays. Once again setting the edge will be a big key to the game so the defensive ends ability to force these plays back inside could determine the outcome of the game. Defensive ends Jermaine Johnson and Keir Thomas will need to continue their solid play.

Special Teams

Louisville kicker James Turner has yet to miss a kick from inside 50 yards in his college career. FSU kicker Ryan Fitzgerald is a little more erratic in comparison. The two team’s punters are having similar seasons.

Prediction

Everything is pointing towards a 4^th straight loss but I think FSU will hang on to the ball and avoid the big penalties to help the offense score just enough points to win. Florida State 30 Louisville 28.