Louisville football: 3 predictions for Cards vs. Florida State

Louisville's Chandler Jones holds a thankful pose in the last few seconds as the Cards beat visiting Boston College 41-39 in a shootout. Oct. 5, 2019Louisville Plays Boston College Oct 5 2019
Louisville's Chandler Jones holds a thankful pose in the last few seconds as the Cards beat visiting Boston College 41-39 in a shootout. Oct. 5, 2019Louisville Plays Boston College Oct 5 2019
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Sep 2, 2019; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals running back Javian Hawkins (10) carries the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Julian Okwara (42) prepares to tackle in the fourth quarter at Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2019; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals running back Javian Hawkins (10) carries the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Julian Okwara (42) prepares to tackle in the fourth quarter at Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Presley Meyer: Louisville football goes over 200 yards on the ground

There has been a lot of talk about Louisville football getting things going through the air by improving protection, getting better play-calling from the staff, and spreading the ball around the field.

I think that Louisville takes a step forward in that department on Saturday and, by default, I think the Cardinals are able to open things up a ton in the running game.

Star back Javian Hawkins is averaging 5.2 yards per carry this year on 20 attempts per game after finishing 2019 with 5.8 ypc.

I think that against a vulnerable FSU defense, the coaching staff is going to be able to run Hawkins off-tackle more than they have in the first five games of the season, which plays to the strengths of a speedy back.

Hawkins struggled to get things going at Notre Dame. Part of that was Louisville’s inability to gain any sort of rhythm. However, much of that can be corrected by varying play-calling and staying on the field a little bit longer.

If Louisville, as expected, begins to find a bit of a rhythm on offense, Hawkins should be in for a massive day against a defense allowing 192 yards per game on the ground.