Louisville vs Florida State: Highlights, score and recap

Recapping No. 10 Louisville’s impressive 63-20 win over the No. 2 Florida State Seminoles.

Following two blowout wins over lackluster competition, the No. 10 Louisville Cardinals proved themselves to be a legitimate title contender with a destruction of the No. 2 Florida State Seminoles on Saturday at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

Louisville’s explosive offense got off to a great start, as Brandon Radcliff ripped off a 30 yard run on the first play from scrimmage. Florida State’s defense had a number of missed tackles and miscommunications on the drive, and Lamar Jackson punched it in five plays later from two yards out for the quick 7-0 Louisville lead.

The Cardinals defense caused plenty of havoc in the Seminole backfield in the early stages, and Florida State could only manage a field goal in the first 15 minutes. Jackson added his second rushing touchdown from 14 yards out on Louisville’s third drive to put the Cardinals up 14-3 at the end of the first.

Florida State finally generated some big plays and scored on a beautiful 20-yard touchdown pass from Deondre Francois to Auden Tate, but Louisville would respond quickly on another long touchdown drive led by Jackson on the ground. The Seminoles fumbled on the next play from scrimmage on a blown handoff between Francois and Dalvin Cook, and the Cardinals took advantage on Jaylen Smith’s nine-yard touchdown reception to go up 28-10.

A freak between-the-legs catch by James Quick set up Jackson’s third touchdown run of the game and a commanding 35-10 halftime lead for Louisville. Even after missing a few early throws, Jackson racked up 180 passing yards, 94 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the first half.

No team is better than Florida State at staging second half comebacks, but the deficit against a talented Louisville team proved to be too much. After a Seminole three-and-out, Jaire Alexander pushed the lead to 42-10 with a 69-yard punt return to send Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium into a frenzy.

Louisville’s disruptive front seven ensured the Seminoles could not even come close to making it a game, as Florida State started the second half with three straight three-and-outs. Louisville added three more touchdowns, including a 47-yard run from Jackson, to seal the 63-20 win and hand Florida State one of the worst losses in program history.

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While Jackson racked up the huge stats, Louisville’s effort in the trenches was even more impressive. Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker was not a factor after destroying Ole Miss, while Cook managed just 54 yards on 16 carries.

Three Stars

3. Lukayus McNeil, OT, Louisville. Led the Cardinals’ excellent effort on the offensive line, helping to protect Jackson against the versatility and athleticism of Florida State’s pass rush.

2. James Hearns, DE, Louisville. Lived in the Florida State backfield and was a big reason Cook could find no running room, and even contributed occasionally in pass coverage.

`1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville. Way ahead of the field in the Heisman race after piling up 362 total yards and five touchdowns.

Highlights

What’s Next?

Now firmly in the playoff discussion, Louisville will look to avoid a road upset at Marshall. Florida State won’t bounce back easily, as it faces a tricky road matchup against a good South Florida team.