Louisville football: 3 locks and 3 bold predictions vs. Florida State

Jacob’s lock: Louisville forces their first interception of the season

Under the tutelage of co-defensive coordinator Bryan Brown, Louisville’s defense has done a tremendous job through the first few weeks of the season of limiting the big passing plays.

The focus this summer on tight-coverage and tackling in the open field has paid off tremendously, and we’ve seen guys like Anthony Johnson and Chandler Jones show that week-to-week. While the defense has a handle on slowing down the passing game for opposing offenses, giving up just 160 yards per game (19th in the country), what they haven’t been able to do is force interceptions.

After defeating Western Kentucky last week, Scott Satterfield spoke to the media and was asked about the defense not being able to create turnovers, outside of a few fumbles. Satterfield made it clear what needs to happen moving forward saying, “we’ve got to get some interceptions.”

Western Kentucky was a good opportunity for Louisville to make that happen, seeing as how starting quarterback Steven Duncan had thrown four interceptions in just two games. Even with the Hilltoppers throwing the ball 47 times, Louisville was unable to force an interception (though they did force two fumbles, returning one for a touchdown) and now will head into week with four with nil.

Turnovers, particularly interceptions, are a byproduct of a Bryan Brown led defense creating havoc on opposing offenses. And while the defense has done a great job of that thus far (without interceptions, of course) they’ll need to take it to another level this weekend against FSU.

James Blackman and Alex Hornibrook, a graduate transfer from Wisconsin, are both expected to see snaps this weekend against Louisville and once again the opportunity to pick off a pass will be there and I think it finally happens.

As the starter, Blackman has done a nice job of completing passes for big plays and keeping the ball away from opposing defenses. Through three games the sophomore quarterback has thrown nine touchdowns compared to just two interceptions, both of which came against FCS Louisiana Monroe.

Despite his performance, FSU has struggled to win football games which has forced the staff to consider getting the redshirt senior Hornibrook involved. During his career at Wisconsin, interceptions were a big thorn in his side. Over three seasons, Hornibrook threw a whopping 33 interceptions and it was a huge reason the program ultimately decided to go with a younger option heading into 2019.

The opportunity will be there this weekend and in this kind of backs against the wall game for FSU, I would be shocked to not see the offense pressing which should result in at least one INT.

Presley’s bold prediction: Jawon Pass plays

I am not sure if he will start, but intuition tells me that Jawon Pass will play on Saturday.

After sitting out Louisville football’s last game against Western Kentucky and appearing in a boot and rolling around on a scooter, what has been described as a “lower extremity” issue looked like it was going to put Pass out for a few weeks at least.

However, on Tuesday, Pass was not only back practicing, but Offensive Coordinator Dwayne Ledford said he looked good.

Obviously coaches aren’t going to show their hand if they don’t have to. Especially after the gamesmanship with Hornibrook and FSU this week. But if Pass was healthy enough to be cleared for practice on Tuesday, it seems to me that Louisville is comfortable with his playing.

In my assessment, the Cards have the best chance of pulling off a win this week with Pass out there. And though he might not start, it will be a surprise to me if Pass doesn’t at least get one drive under his belt.