FSU Football 2016 Preseason Preview: Game 3 at Louisville

Here is a look at how the 2016 season will play out for FSU football with our game preview and prediction.

As we get closer and closer to the 2016 season kicking off in the world of college football, FSU football is preparing for their spot as one of the teams that will compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff when the regular season is over. The Seminoles will have their work cut out for them, with eight games against teams that went to bowl games in 2015 (including six of their first eight opponents) as well as one team that made a run in the FCS playoffs last season.

While it starts and ends with SEC opponents in the Sunshine State (two of the nine games being played in the state of Florida this season for FSU football), there are plenty of challenges in between and potential road blocks that could keep the ‘Noles from winning the fourth national title in program history.

How will the ‘Noles fare this season when they take the field for the 12 games currently on their schedule? Is there a team that will come out on top and keep FSU football from being perfect in a season of such hope? Here’s our look at how the Seminoles will do in the regular season in 2016.

Game Three – at Louisville (September 17^th)

Series Record: Florida State leads 14-2

For one of just three times during the 2016 regular season, the Seminoles will hit the road and actually leave the state of Florida. The first of those occasions comes against a Cardinals team that is primed to prove it can hang with the two powers in the ACC’s Atlantic Division and prove they should be in the conversation with FSU football and Clemson for top honors.

Louisville does have the advantage in that they return virtually their entire offense and defense from an 8-5 season last year that included a much needed bowl win over the SEC. In all, 19 total starters come back including quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is just a sophomore and comes from the same mold as Clemson’s Deshaun Watson (which should be a scary thought for FSU football fans).

On defense, the All-ACC combo of defensive tackle DeAngelo Brown and linebacker Keith Kelsey is fully capable of keeping Dalvin Cook in the offense like they did in last year’s game.

The Seminoles’ smartest plan for this game would be to keep testing the Cardinals’ defense and not be afraid at making the big play and trying things out. While Louisville has a good defense, they also like to take risk that the ‘Noles can take advantage. As for FSU football, having already played a similar offense in their opener will give them an advantage when it comes time to take on Jackson and friends.

Key Factor

The last two times the ‘Noles have traveled to Kentucky to play the Cardinals, it ended in a shocking upset in the rain (2002 in a game that fans of FSU football would love to forget) and the need for an epic comeback to keep their winning streak and ACC title hopes alive (which was one of the first breakout games for Cook). While Clemson and Florida are probably better teams, this game is one that stands out as the biggest upset risk.

Prediction

Much of the attention is being paid to other games on the schedule, but this will be the best test of seeing how the Seminoles can prepare for a challenge. Everyone knows what Ole Miss, Clemson and others bring, but they are sleeping on Louisville. Jimbo Fisher will keep the team focused for what will be a close game. Florida State 27 Louisville 21