Louisville Football: Game-by-Game Predictions for the Cards in 2018

If there is one team in the ACC that is as unpredictable as Louisville, it is Florida State.

I like the Seminoles this year. First year coach Willie Taggart is inheriting a mess, but it’s a manageable mess. Jimbo Fisher all but gave up on this FSU team that started as pre-season No. 2 in 2017, but lost starting quarterback Deondre Francois in the first game against Alabama. The ‘Noles went on to finish with one of their worst seasons in two decades.

The cupboard is still stocked for Taggart, however. Francois is back, and he should be an upgrade from replacement James Blackman. Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick are a dynamite running back duo that will push the Cards’s inexperienced defensive line. If they establish the run, Francois can beat you with his arm and with his feet.

The defense loses some of their best contributors in freak of nature Derwin James, defensive end Josh Sweat, and Derrick Nnadi on the inside. They still return a young, but loaded defense capable of making marked improvements.

The Louisville game was one of their worst performances defensively last year due to their inability yet again to contain Lamar Jackson. If Puma Pass can be a threat on the ground, the Cards can once again be a serious threat to the FSU defense.

Florida State could finish in playoff contention, or they might not quite be ready in year one under Taggart. The Cards play Florida State well at home, and since it’s a toss-up in my mind I’ll give the edge to the home team. Louisville moves to 3-0 against Florida State since 2016.

Presley’s Prediction: Louisville 34, Florida State 29

Jacob’s Prediction: Louisville 38, Florida State 35

Louisville’s Record: 4-1 (2-0)