By Jansen Myers–
21-0. This was the lead that the Louisville Cardinals football team had on Florida State last year in their Thursday night showdown. In one of the most electrifying games ever at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, the Cardinals led the undefeated Seminoles by 21 points.
All eyes were on Louisville in this prime time match-up, and Bobby Petrino’s team had the game in the bag until the lead was lost. This year, while there are plenty of new faces on each side of the ball for each team, the stakes are just as high.
The Cardinals travel to Tallahassee to face Florida state at noon on Saturday, October 17th, and Louisville hopes to gain a signature win and build off of the momentum from the NC State win two weeks before.
Jimbo Fisher’s Seminoles do not have the same national attention this season, with the departure of star quarterback Jameis Winston to the NFL, but the star power on offense and defense is still there.
The highlight of Florida State’s offseason was the decision by former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson to transfer to the team. Golson has performed well so far this season, throwing for 786 yards, 7 touchdowns and zero interceptions through five games this season.
But the star of the show is sophomore running back Dalvin Cook. Coming off of a freshman season in which he rushed for 1000 yards, Cook has only continued to excel, rushing for over 200 yards twice this season against South Florida and Miami. Defensive back Jalen Ramsey also brings star power to the Seminole defense, being named a preseason Nagurski Award candidate and preseason All-American.
Jimbo Fisher brings a new-look Florida State team to the table for this match up, but the same signature Seminole star power can be expected for this game. Florida State is one of those opponents that no matter what the year is, you can count on star recruits, high national rankings and heavy TV exposure.
The Cardinals are showing signs of turning the season around after three heartbreaking losses against quality opponents.
A win on the road at hostile Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee would be the signature win that may be needed to make a mid-season push in the ACC. Coming into play in this conference, Louisville knew that games against premier conference opponents such as Clemson and Florida State would have huge implications on the line.
Combine the revenge factor after dropping a close one at home in primetime last season, and there is every reason to be excited as a Cards fan coming into this matchup. This game is scheduled for a noon kickoff at Florida State on October 17th, and will be broadcast on ESPN.
