In the four games since 2000, the ‘Noles have out gained Louisville in terms of yards per play each time. That doesn’t mean they’re downplaying the importance of their biggest test to date. Clemson hasn’t hit on all cylinders through two weeks of the season, while Florida State scored an impressive win over Ole Miss in the opener, and Louisville thoroughly dominated Charlotte and Syracuse. More challenges remain for both schools – including games against defending ACC champion and preseason favorite No. 5 Clemson – but the victor of this nationally televised showdown can take a major step in the Atlantic Division. Now, we’re getting a peek at what the Cardinals’ quarterback looks like when the offense starts to make sense to the man who runs it. It will also be important because of who will not be on the field for FSU football, but more on that later. Even if Louisville loses, as long as Jackson holds his own against Florida State, expect his Heisman odds to rise after the weekend. He also ranks third in the conference and 15th nationally with 610 passing yards.
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Florida State running back Dalvin Cook entered 2016 as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. And obviously with GameDay here, it’s a great thing for the city and for the University of Louisville. Redshirt freshman QB Deondre Francois has passed for 681 yards and five TDs through two games, including 419 with two TDs in the 45-34 comeback win over MS on Labor Day.
As the No. 2 team in the country, FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher is 8-1 and 28-3 when ranked inside the top-5.
“We went back and retaught everything”, Petrino said.
PROTECT AND SUPPORT: Jackson’s running has overshadowed performances by other Louisville rushers who figure to contribute in multiple ways against FSU. RB Brandon Radcliff wasn’t totally left out of Week 2, however, as he would finish with 10 rushes for 156 yards and a score.
His exploits have captured the attention of the college football world, but they’re nothing new for Cook, who lined up against Jackson during their days as prep football stars in South Florida.
No. 11 Texas plays at California at 10:30 on ESPN, a game that has major potential to go absolute ham considering the offenses involved and the enigmatic nature of each team in recent seasons.
ELIMINATE BIG PLAYS: Florida State has already allowed 11 pass plays of 20 yards or more. RB James Conner has rushed for an average of 84 yards with two touchdowns during his inspirational return from cancer. Sophomore corners Tavarus McFadden and Marcus Lewis are expected to get challenged early. Seven Cardinals have at least half a sack with junior linebacker James Hearns’ 2.5 leading the way. He’s well aware that the improvement and future of both Jackson and Louisville were directly tied to Jackson’s ability to run the offense from the pocket, not just outrunning defenders. Freshman kicker Ricky Aguayo has made all seven field goal attempts while punter Logan Tyler leads the ACC at 46.8 yards per punt. He missed Atlanta’s final preseason game after turning the ankle.
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And the Cardinals plan to honor Ali’s wife, Lonnie, on the field, use a butterfly-minted coin for the pregame toss, and hand out 3,000 Ali shirts to students.
