Louisville Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Florida State
By Dana Becker
This game is lost, rather than won
Florida State was forced to turn to freshman James Blackman when returning starter Deondre Francois suffered a season-ending injury in the opener vs. Alabama. Blackman had ample time in practice to get himself familiar with being the starting quarterback of the ‘Noles, but in hindsight, that might have set him back.
Hurricanes forced the cancellation of games vs. Louisiana Monroe and Miami, putting the new starter right into the fire on September 23 vs. NC State. He had an average game, completing 22 of 38 for 278 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions, but the Wolfpack won, 27-21.
The following week, Blackman completed only 11 passes but FSU won, besting Wake Forest 26-19. In a loss to Miami and a win over Duke, he’s thrown four interceptions and has totaled just 400 yards passing. And Blackman is no Lamar Jackson, meaning he isn’t going to hurt you with his legs. Instead, the key for Florida State is to protect the young quarterback and allow running backs Cam Akers and company to win games.
On the flip-side sits Jackson, as the reigning Heisman winner is having another great season from a stats stand-point.
However, in Louisville’s three losses, Jackson has thrown three interceptions and has completed just 50, 55 and 49 percent of his throws. On the year, he is connecting at a rate of 60-percent, including hitting 18 of 22 in one game this season.
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Jackson has five games this year of at least 300 yards passing and has rushed for over 100 in four, as well. But he just hasn’t had that “WOW” moment or game yet for the Cards. If he can limit the mistakes, the Louisville’s defense can force the Seminoles to put the ball in the air, the makings of that magical game could be there for Jackson.