By: Spencer Laws
Louisville Football drops a game that many thought they should have won.
The Cards seemed to have an answer for everything the Seminoles threw at them. Louisville responded with two touchdowns in the first quarter, after originally going down 7-0 to start the game.
The Cardinals went into the half holding a 7 point lead over Florida State, with the score 21-14.
Quarterback Malik Cunningham was having an exceptional game up to this point. He showcased both sides of his game—passing and running.
The Cardinal offense were without starting running back Tiyon Evans and second string Jalen Mitchell.
Backs Trevion Cooley and Jawhar Jordan picked up the load that was left for them. Both combined for over 160 yards all-purpose yards, with Cooley breaking into the in zone twice.
The Issues
Two narratives about Louisville continue to be the story on the field. Similar to the thoughts of many fans and experts last week, tackling seems to lead to the downfall of the defense. On top of that, penalties are another huge issue that puts the team a leg behind.
Louisville has started this season committing 29 penalties for 204 yards just 3 weeks in.
Head coach Scott Satterfield addressed the self-inflicted wounds in his press conference September 20th.
Satterfield stated,“It’s the pre-snap penalties that really effect you. Being offsides, false starts, those types of things. We have to get better at that.”
The Change
The Cards looked in total control over the Seminoles, as former Cardinal, Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis exited the game with a leg injury. FSU brought in their backup with minimal experience.
Florida States backup, Tate Rodemaker felt the pressure early from the Cardinal defense. Rodemaker was sacked three times and threw an interception.
Rodemaker was eventually able to turn around his performance, to lead the ‘Noles to comeback and take the lead in the final minutes. While doing so, Rodemaker threw for two impressive touchdowns to Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson.
Wilson put up pretty impressive numbers himself. Ending the game with seven receptions, 149 yards and two touchdowns.
Satterfield was questioned in his post game press conference about matching up against Wilson.
“Is that the big guy? Thats what made him so difficult. He’s 6’7 200 and something pounds,” Satterfield said
Cunningham and the Cardinal offense had to chance to close the game out with a touchdown to win the game getting the ball back with 1:37 left on the clock.
The offense was able to move the ball up to the Louisville 46, as the fan base regained hope with the clock dwindling under a minute.
Then, a costly decision by the fifth-year starter ended the comeback attempt. FSU picked off Malik with 37 seconds left to close out the Cards.
Full Circle
With this result the Louisville faithful return to the same attitude they had after the Syracuse game. Furthermore, the same question remains:
How much longer does Satterfield have if he continues to churn out these atrocious results?
The Cards are back in action this Saturday to right the ship at Cardinal Stadium before starting ACC play.
They host University of South Florida at noon back in front of Card Nation.
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