Louisville football: What worries me most about Florida State

Special teams could easily control this game

Through Louisville football’s early season struggles most of the attention has been focused on other parts of the team, like the passing game (and offensive line) and the big play liability of the defense.

That’s allowed areas like special teams to fly under the radar, despite persistent struggles. From the start of the season against Western, Louisville’s special teams hasn’t played up to par showing an inability to impact the game through that phase of the game.

Replacing Mason King and Blanton Creque has proved to be much trickier than anyone could have expected, as the Cards have already had to make a move at punter while struggling in the kickoff game.

While the multiple special teams turnovers against Western Kentucky didn’t lead to a loss, it very easily could’ve. Against FSU special teams will be a crucial part of the game and following multiple big plays against North Carolina, the Seminoles will have momentum.

Overall FSU has been really good on special teams despite struggling most other places, sitting 25th nationally in field goal returns and blocking five total punts & field goals. They’ve shown the ability to shift games in crucial moments with a block or big return, and that’s got to scare every one if you’ve watched Louisville’s group.

James Turner and Ryan Harwell will be relied upon to play mistake free football, and the Cards will look to Rodjay Burns, Hassan Hall, and Jordan Watkins to set them up the offense with good field position.

It’s not sexy, but special teams is going to be a factor come Saturday.