Way too early Louisville football game-by-game predictions

at Florida State

September 21st

Let me start by saying, Louisville should’ve beaten Florida State last season.

This game will be the first big winnable matchup of the season. We’ve talked a lot this summer about the Cards schedule, which as mentioned is the toughest in the ACC, and finding stealable 50/50 games will be paramount if the Cards are going to win more than 5 games.

While Florida State is still a very talented program, they’ve taken a step back over the past few seasons, specifically since Willie Taggart took over last year and proceeded to go 5-7 thus breaking a 36-year bowl appearance streak.

The fans seem to be struggling to get behind the new leadership, and it’s been affecting recruiting and the hype around the program for 2019.

After two games where Louisville should be able to pick up wins, the Cards will roll into their first true road game of the season and their first under Scott Satterfield with at least some momentum.

Behind new offensive coordinator Kendall Briles, who came to FSU after spending time at FAU, the Seminoles should get back to their ways of scoring at a high level. Running back Cam Akers will be the star of the show as a junior, with either Wisconsin graduate transfer Alex Hornibook or sophomore James Blackman running things at QB. There is talent and speed on offense as per usual, however, there are still tons of question marks on the offensive line.

For Satterfield’s crew to have any chance of “upsetting” the Seminoles, they will have to take advantage of the offensive line and get after Blackman/Hornibook. New Marshall graduate transfer, Ty Tyler, who had 9 sacks last season as a junior, will need to have a big game and prove that he can play against the big boys of the ACC. But it can’t be just him. Guys like GG Robinson, Boosie Whitlow, CJ Avery, and even Rodjay Burns will need to be at the top of their game and fly to the ball and QB like missiles.

For the offense, taking advantage of the linebacker corp, which has struggled recently, will be a huge part of the game plan. Misdirections, RPO, and other tricky running plays will force them to make decisions on the run and give Louisville some space to make plays. We saw last season against FSU that when the offense is clicking there’s the ability to move the ball in big chunks. With more efficient game planning and play-calling an opportunity to make big plays will be there, but can the Cards take advantage?

I believe Louisville will be hungry to prove that they can compete in the ACC and will come out motivated as ever against FSU, however once again I just don’t think they’ll have enough to steal this one on the road in what will be a close game. Losing to Florida State is nothing to be ashamed of, and if anything this should continue to show fans and players that winning 5-plus games is absolutely possible.

Prediction: Louisville 24, FSU 28

Record: 2-2