Louisville Football: 3 Takeaways from Taxslayer Bowl loss to Mississippi State

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals takes the field prior to the TaxSlayer Bowl against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals takes the field prior to the TaxSlayer Bowl against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Even Lamar Jackson couldn’t bring Louisville football s a victory against the Bulldog defensive front. Here are three takeaways from the game.

More: Complete 2017-2018 bowl schedule

Without Nick Fitzgerald, many people including me didn’t think the Bulldogs could pull this one off. Mississippi State defense stood tall and didn’t allow Jackson’s ability to extend plays and make magic on the field.

As a result, the Bulldogs brought home a bowl victory to kick off a new era of football in Starkville under Jim Moorehead. Here are my takeaways from the game.

3. Mississippi State quarterback Keytaon Thompson will be special

The Bulldogs had question makes all over the offense without their signal caller Nick Fitzgerald. However, Thompson showed that wasn’t necessary. While at many times his throws fell a little short or traveled a little bit too far, he showed poise and talent against the Cardinals.

He did not show like he was worried about what 2016 Heisman winner Lamar Jackson was doing with the football. He focused on his team and his offense. As a result, he brought forth a confidence level that wasn’t expected by me or the Louisville defense.

While this is still Nick Fitzgerald’s team for at least one more year, Thompson showed plenty of promise and cause for excitement for the Bulldog faithful.