FSU vs. Louisville: ChopChat Staff Predictions

The FSU vs. Louisville: ChopChat Staff Predictions feature score predictions accompanied by descriptions of how each writer feels the game will play out when the No. 2 Seminoles travel to the Bluegrass State to take on the ACC’s newest member, the No. 25 Louisville Cardinals, on Thursday night.

Patrik Nohe, Editor

While I wouldn’t be the least bit shocked to see FSU drop this one, I think the Seminoles escape Louisville with a win. The Cardinals have a great defense and the matchup even seems to favor Louisville in some spots, but this is a gritty Florida State team and Jameis Winston is capable of lifting an entire offense even without the benefit of a running game.

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I think FSU has just enough firepower to best Louisville’s no. 1-ranked defense, while the Seminole defense will stop the Cardinals from scoring touchdowns. FSU makes it to 24 straight.

Pick: 34-23, FSU

David Visser, Editor

The Cardinals will be beyond keyed up to host the ‘Noles in what is the biggest game they’ve played as a member of the ACC. I expect a boisterous Devil’s Night crowd to lift them early, when FSU has shown a tendency to play rather tight. The Seminoles have the advantage of experience in big games, however, and their superior talent, combined with a lack of explosive plays from Louisville, will wear down the home team over the long haul.

Until Winston shows that he’s capable of losing, it’s simply tough to pick him to do so– just as it is to forecast the ‘Noles scoring under 30, which they’ve never done with Winston at quarterback.

Pick: 34-20, FSU

Daniel Ferreira, Staff Writer

The ‘Noles have had a week to get healthy, and prepare for the final month of the season. This game against Louisville is tricky. The Cardinals have a very stingy defense, but the offense has been porous for most of the season. However, the Cardinals have yet to be healthy on offense, and they will have key players Michael Dyer and DeVante Parker both healthy in this match-up. For as good as Louisville’s defense has been, they haven’t faced an offense like Florida State’s.

I do, however, have a gut-feeling that the end of the streak is near. The key in this game will be if the ‘Noles offensive line can control the line of scrimmage. If not, it’s going to be tough to overcome for FSU.

Pick: 24-20, Louisville

Harlen Shackleford, Staff Writer

When the Seminoles take the field at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on Thursday night, they will be going toe to toe with a stout Louisville team that ranks No. 1 in total defense, giving up a mere 3.87 yards per play and a nation’s best 66.9 yards per game on the ground. This matchup bodes well for the Cardinals, as the ‘Noles rushing attack checks in at 101st in the country.

Louisville saw its star wide receiver, DeVante Parker, back on the field against N.C. State after missing the first half of the season due to surgery on his foot. Parker was more than impressive, pulling in nine passes for 132 yards. His performance on the field against the Seminoles could be the difference maker for the Cardinals Thursday night. Expect four quarters of competitive football as the nation’s top red zone offense in FSU squares off against the No. 1 ranked defense in the country.

Pick: 23-17, FSU

Griffin Wilcox, Staff Writer

This Louisville defense is as real a deal as its home crowd. Florida State better come out ready to play in the match-up or it could see its season fade away because a loss here would all but ruin its chances at the College Football Playoff. The Seminoles offense is more than capable of putting up points and leading the ‘Noles to a victory, but it’s just a matter of if it can play at its best.

FSU’s defense should be able to hold its own against a decent Louisville offense, and I do believe FSU pulls out a victory, but it will not be an easy one by any means. If the Florida State running game can finally get going, this game could be a lot easier for Jameis Winston and the ‘Noles.

Pick: 31-24, FSU

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