By Dalton Ray–

This is the moment all Louisville fans have been waiting for. This is why Louisville joined the ACC. The Cardinals have a top 10 match up with the nation’s second-ranked team. ESPN’s College GameDay is traveling to Louisville, drawing even more eyes upon Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

In the previous two match-ups against Florida State, Louisville has had their chance to beat the Seminoles. When FSU visited in 2014, the Noles used a late push to out-last the Cardinals. After exploding for 21-points in the second quarter, Florida State returned in the favor in the fourth quarter. After leading 31-28 early in the fourth, FSU scored the final 14-points unanswered and prevailed 42-28.

Last year, Florida State embarrassed Louisville in Tallahassee. Going into half-time, Louisville lead 7-6 and were getting by. The Seminoles went ahead to outscore the Cardinals 35-14 in the second half and won running away with a final score of 41-21. Louisville got dominated in the final 30 minutes and showed times of not caring about the outcome.

Louisville can’t risk a chance of getting embarrassed at home, not with the entire nation watching. If Louisville is able to defeat FSU at home, it’s one small step for the season and one giant step for the program.

The offensive line has to be ready to show up for Louisville. Florida State’s defensive front-seven is big, athletic, fast and nasty. Florida State had a come-back victory against Ole Miss in their opener due their second-half play. FSU’s offense finally clicking was apart of the reason but the biggest was the Seminole’s defense wearing down Ole Miss’ o-line.

Winning the battle up front is the first and biggest key to victory for U of L. If Louisville can get a push for the run late in the game, their chances of winning go way up. Additionally, if the hogs can give Jackson more time in the pocket, FSU could be in trouble.

Louisville’s defense has to play all four quarters in order for Louisville to win. Last year, the defense simply laid down and allowed Florida State and Dalvin Cook to do whatever they wanted in the second half. A shameful showing can’t happen again if the Cardinals want to stay close.

Louisville won’t win a shoot-out because of the talent of FSU’s defense. Todd Grantham’s defense will have to force turnovers and rattle redshirt freshman Deondre Francois. U of L will get a big boost if they can continue their third-down success. On the year, the Cards have only allowed 10 first downs on 36 attempts on third down conversions.

The final key is, Jackson has to keep up his play. Louisville will not win this game if Jackson doesn’t show up. This is Jackson’s first outing of 2016 against greater competition so the gouty numbers aren’t expected but a good performance is needed. Louisville will only go as far as the sophomore Heisman hopeful can carry them.

File Photo / The Louisville Cardinal