FSU football: 5 major takeaways from win over Louisville

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 2: The Florida State Seminoles celebrate after defeating the Louisville Cardinals 16-6 during the ACC Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 2: The Florida State Seminoles celebrate after defeating the Louisville Cardinals 16-6 during the ACC Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) /

Defense Set The Tone Early

I knew Louisville was a team that scored most of their points this season in the first half of games. My thinking was if FSU could get the game to halftime and only be down 10 points or less, they’d have a shot to win the game since they’ve performed well in the second half in most games.

However, when FSU defensive tackle Braden Fiske blew by a Louisville offensive lineman and annihilated a Louisville running back for a big loss on the second play of the game? I knew it was going to be tough sledding for the Louisville offense.

That physical play, throwing the Louisville player to the ground like a ragged doll was foreshadowing.

Fiske led all FSU defensive players with nine tackles and three sacks. I don’t think Louisville expected that level of physicality early from FSU. FSU fans like to complain about Adam Fuller’s defenses in the first half.

Well, they got three-and-outs early and often. I think that allowed Mike Norvell to call the game he called offensively.