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Louisville Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

By Jerran Anderson

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 26: Bobby Petrino the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals watches the action during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 26: Bobby Petrino the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals watches the action during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Florida State Seminoles probably will still have last season’s 63-20 drubbing on their mind when the Louisville Cardinals travel to Tallahassee. It was Louisville’s first victory in the series since 2002 when they won 26-20 in overtime.

The Cardinals held no qualms in running up 63 points on the second-ranked team in the nation. Both teams could be ranked in the top 10 by the time they meet on October 21.

Louisville will have a hard time keeping Lamar Jackson off his back in what should be his toughest game of the season. The Seminoles have nine defensive starting returning and a trio of defensive linemen who combined for 26.0 sacks last season. That’s not including former ACC Defensive Player of the Year DeMarcus Walker’s 16.0 sacks.

It will be a battle of the quarterbacks when Deondre Francois and Jackson face off. It’s sure to give fans memories of the 42-36 battle former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson and Jackson had last season.

Forcing turnovers will be a key to the Seminoles’ success but it will all start with containing Jackson. With a strong returning core of players and an incoming wave of talent from the 2017 recruiting class, Florida State is sure to give the Cardinals a game.

The Cardinals are 3-14 all-time against the Seminoles with only two victories in the last five meetings. Last season was no fluke but this year’s Florida State defense is scary good on paper. The odds may be against Jackson this season.

Final: Florida State 42, Louisville 35 (6-2, 3-2 ACC)

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