FSU Football took a huge blow when Derwin James was injured last week against Charleston Southern. Now it looks like Josh Sweat may miss the Louisville game with a knee injury as well.
Related Story: Top 3 Games FSU Has Won Without Star Players
Tomahawknation reported last night that FSU football sophomore defensive end Josh Sweat was injured at practice on Thursday and didn’t make the flight to Louisville.
Coach Jimbo Fisher didn’t mention the Sweat injury when he gave his injury report after practice, so it was shocking to hear the news late last night.
The FSU defense is already missing a starting in safety Derwin James. If they have to play without Josh Sweat, that would be another big blow against a Louisville offense that’s putting up video game numbers.
FSU fans were concerned that James was going to miss the game. The Josh Sweat injury news seems to put most FSU fans into real panic mode.
Check out the responses from Twitter thus far:
Congrats. Josh Sweat didn't get on the plane. Adjust your nerves accordingly.
— Brett Strauch (@NoleMan_IUFan) September 16, 2016
I full on panic mode with this josh sweat injury news @davidpollack47 @KirkHerbstreit @ESPN_ReceDavis @DesmondHoward @CollegeGameDay
— 2023 & 2024 MASTERS PATRON 🐶🍢👋✋👋✋ (@RollTribe1987) September 16, 2016
I like Pugh to step up and play well against Louisville but I'm bummed out about Josh Sweat
— Big Fred (@TheDamnBrad) September 16, 2016
Another huge blow to our defense. Josh Sweat and Derwin James both out with knee injuries 😩
— Ian Wilhelm (@wilhelm_21) September 16, 2016
Now Josh Sweat?? Brian Burns time for you to step up. No Charleston southern this time
— Bo Noles (@BWattNOL3) September 16, 2016
Pugh in for Sweat, hate it for Josh, but, Noles are fine.
— KKL (@KarenKeyLargo) September 16, 2016
Josh Sweat is also out? Welp
— Max R. (@MaxRamos1991) September 16, 2016
No Derwin James. No Josh Sweat. Still not scared.
— shut up, josh (@ChiefJosheola) September 16, 2016
Reaction
To say that FSU is having terrible injury luck is an understatement. To lose to five-star recruits within a week with a top 10 team on deck?
Yep, there’s cause for concern.
It’s likely that Jacob Pugh will take over for Sweat in the event that he can’t play with true freshman Brian Burns also seeing playing time. Pugh is experienced and had a big game against Lamar Jackson and Louisville last year.
However, to have a true freshman defensive end on the field is scary because Louisville will likely try to run at Burns in the event he’s on the field. Burns has a ridiculous first step, but usually true freshmen have a hard time at setting the edge and playing disciplined against zone reads.
That’s something the Louisville quarterback does really well.
We think the FSU defense will still try to force Louisville to dink and dunk down the field and limit the big play. It’s still a winnable game, but it’s concerning to say the least.
must read: Breaking Down The Louisville Offense
Just look at the fan reaction.