Louisville Falls to Florida State in Home Opener

Louisville held their home opener on Friday night, in a prime time matchup against Florida State. The Cardinals were in control of the game until late, resulting in a 35-31 loss to the Seminoles.

Louisville was trading shots with FSU throughout the first half and through the 3rd quarter. The game was tied up, 28-28, going into the 4th quarter, where FSU sophomore quarterback, Tate Rodemaker, and redshirt sophomore wide receiver, Johnny Wilson, led the Seminoles past the Cardinals. Rodemaker and Wilson accounted for both of the Seminoles’ touchdowns in the 4th quarter.

Tate Rodemaker entered the game following the Jordan Travis lower leg injury, late in the 2nd quarter. Rodemaker had taken limited snaps this season, prior to Friday night’s game, completing 2 of 6 pass attempts for 15 yards and an interception in their season opener against Duquesne. The Sophomore quarterback played a very solid game against the Cardinals, throwing for 109 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception, while completing 60% of his passes.

Lousiville’s Malik Cunningham put together another good game. The redshirt senior threw for 243 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, while completing 62% of his passes. Cunningham was also the game’s leading rusher, with 127 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cunningham continues to prove that he is one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the country.

Despite Cunnungham’s performance and FSU losing Jordan Travis, Jared Verse, and multiple other key players to injury, the Cardinals were unable to hold off the Seminoles. Louisville continually hurt themselves throughout the game. The Cardinals lost 2 fumbles, threw an interception late on the potential game-winning drive, and committed 11 penalties for a total of 81 yards.

The mistakes that cost Louisville the game were self-inflicted, which is good news for Cardinals’ fans, considering that these mistakes can be fixed. Scott Satterfield and his staff should be able to correct the miscues that have hindered Louisville in their first few games.

photo credit: Cameron Robertson/FAAZ Sports