5 reasons Louisville can upset Florida State

5. Lamar Jackson’s electric playmaking ability 

While the Cardinals will need more than just a great effort from Jackson to win, he has the type of individual playmaking ability that will consistently challenge the Florida State defense.

The 6-3, 205 pound Jackson has quickly established himself as the most explosive player in the nation and is the way-too-early leader in the Heisman Trophy race. The sophomore accounted for eight touchdowns in the first half alone against Charlotte before racking up over 600 yards and five touchdowns versus Syracuse.

While the level of competition will be vastly increased on Saturday, Jackson’s emergence hasn’t come out of nowhere. As a freshman, Jackson was prone to mistakes, but also flashed some of his raw ability, particularly later in the regular season and in the Music City Bowl victory over Texas A&M, where he piled up over 450 yards and four touchdowns.  The Seminoles themselves got a look at Jackson’s passing ability, as he went 20/35 for 307 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-20 loss.

Florida State has an ultra-athletic defense, but Jackson can create explosive plays out of nowhere on his own against any team in the country. While the Cardinals can’t beat the Seminoles with Jackson’s running ability alone, it certainly adds a home run threat to the Louisville offense that is difficult to prepare for in practice.

One or two major splash plays for Jackson could make the difference in a game that looks fairly even across the board.

Next: 4. Florida State will be missing its most important defender