Florida State can achieve its first win streak of the season with a victory over Louisville on Saturday afternoon. The Cardinals have looked unimpressive in the first four games, while FSU showed flashes of improvement against most recent opponent, Northern Illinois. Saturday’s contest might get ugly, but FSU should feel a bit more confident heading in.
We here at The Daily Nole have provided a week’s worth of content aimed at giving you all the information necessary for this game. Check out some of our stories below if you haven’t already.
FSU Football: First Look at Louisville
The Daily Nole — Sept. 25, 2018: FSU to Wear Garnet Pants, Helmets at Louisville
FSU Football: Unexpected Players Flourishing on Defense
The Daily Nole – Sept. 26, 2018: Landon Dickerson Back Practicing
FSU’s Biggest Questions for Louisville
FSU’s Top 5 Moments vs. Louisville
Willie Taggart, Louisville and FSU Historic Firsts
Staff Predictions
Lead writer Clint Eiland: It’s hard to imagine that another team besides FSU had a more stunning collapse on offense. But that’s what happened to Louisville this season, and it’s got plenty of observers rethinking Bobby Petrino’s prowess. The Cardinals can’t really do anything well on that side of the ball, which should benefit an FSU defense still getting adjusted to a new system. The Seminoles just need to limit the downfield shots which lead to massive momentum shifts.
Florida State’s biggest concern will be the turnovers and offensive line once again. Francois showed he can power an offense through the air, but he still needs time in the pocket to do that. Louisville’s defensive front is probably the biggest strength, so the Cardinals will be sending pressure all day. It’s going to be an odd game but one that FSU ultimately prevails in. FSU 21, Louisville 14.
Editor Mike Ferguson: Saturday’s contest is a pivotal one as far as bowl-eligibility goes for both teams. In eight total years and two total stints under head coach Bobby Petrino, the Cardinals have never missed a bowl nor won fewer than eight games. Florida State has played in a bowl in each season since 1982. Offensively challenged may be too kind for the Seminoles and Cardinals. The advantage at quarterback is with FSU’s Deondre Francois and the Seminoles have the better run defense. Barring another barrage of turnovers, that should be enough to offset Louisville’s home-field advantage. FSU 19, Louisville 14.
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