Every prediction we could find from FSU sites predicting the outcome of their matchup with Louisville football on Friday night.
We have talked a lot this week about how Louisville football and Florida State football have been on a similar trajectory over the last few years.
Both on and off the field, on the recruiting trail, and beyond, Louisville and FSU are strikingly similar.
The one area where things are probably a little different is among the fanbase.
Understandably, FSU, which boasts 3 national titles, has a rabid fanbase that holds its program in high regard.
For a 14-year stretch, the Noles finished in the AP Poll’s Top 5 at season’s end. Based on its successful history, Florida State deserves to be a bit chesty.
However, since the most recent FSU national title in 2013, the Noles have treaded about the same waters. And on the field, Louisville has been pretty dominant- Winning 4 of the last 6 and holding a lead in the fourth quarter in its two losses to the Seminoles.
Bearing that in mind, one would assume that the Florida State fanbase would be pretty level-headed in a game that opened as a “pick ’em” and has gradually slid to FSU -2.5.
But, alas, fodder on social media, message boards, and among Florida State bloggers has been pretty confident.
So, we read through each FSU blog that we could find and assembled all of their predictions in one place.
NoleThruandThru, Tomahawk Nation (LINK)
I’m so glad I was wrong about the LSU score! That said, I’ve long had the Louisville game circled as the most important game of the season because win or lose in New Orleans, it would be an insight into the psyche of this team. After another nationally-televised tilt on Friday night, we’ll know how the Seminoles respond to success. Louisville has been an Achilles heel for Mike Norvell during his time in Tallahassee. Though the Cardinals have certainly looked beatable in their first two games, the environment for their home-opener won’t be easy to overcome.
Louisville’s defense gave up exactly 208 yards rushing to Syracuse and UCF, respectively, so I’ll be looking for FSU to establish its run game early and often. Sprinkle in some medium and deep shots to keep the Cardinals honest, and I think FSU’s offense should have another strong outing. The defense will have its hands full against Malik Cunningham, who is due for a better performance after two clunkers. In the end, I think we see a 3-0 record for Florida State, halfway to bowl eligibility!
FSU 38, Louisville 20
Tommy Mire, Tomahawk Nation
This is one of those matchups that has me a little uneasy with Malik Cunningham at the helm. However, they are giving up 200+ yards per game on the ground and FSU has three talented backs that could all break 100 yards again (see Duquesne.)
The Cardinals don’t quite have the receivers that LSU did so the Seminole defense shouldn’t (hopefully) have to constantly double-team an all-American and will be able to spy the quarterback more often. Vegas has this game as roughy 3-points for the Seminoles but I think the margin will be more regardless of who wins.
FSU 38, Louisville 24
LastNoleOfKrypton, Tomahawk Nation
FSU is looking for its first 3-0 start since 2015 and they’re going to get it. FSU should control both sides of the LOS in this game and Louisville should have very little answers for its three-pronged attack at running back.
On defense Malik Cunningham is streaky and can be scary good when he gets hot but if FSU rushes four and sets the edge they should come back to Tallahassee with a comfortable victory which is what I expect.
FSU 42, Louisville 21
Evan Johnson, Tomahawk Nation
It feels like everything is heading in the right direct so far this year and in this match up. Louisville has looked very vulnerable through two games, especially on the ground where FSU excels on offense. Then again this is a Friday night road game to top that off it’s a color game. On the other hand it’s a red out and the team will be wearing black so this whole program is obviously in shambles.
FSU 35, Louisville 10
Michael Rogner, Tomahawk Nation
A few years ago Cardinal fans got mad on the internet because I wrote in my prediction “I can’t name a single Louisville player, but I’m sure they’re great.” Based on the thoughtful suggestions I received from #LouisvilleTwitter I’ve really come around and learned a lot about their program.
‘Noles by 30.
FrankDNole, Tomahawk Nation
This will be a fun game for the Noles at Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium.
FSU is out for revenge against Louisville, and I expect most of the Card fans will be heading for the exits at the end of the 3rd quarter.
I feel bad for this Malik fella, he seems like a decent person, unfortunately he is going to take a beating on Friday night at the hands of the FSU defense.
FSU Seminoles 41, Louisville (the one in Kentucky) 24
Matt Minnick, Tomahawk Nation
42%. That’s the chances I gave FSU of winning against the Cardinals back when we did our win share predictions one month ago. Which was actually lower than my pre-season thoughts about our chances of beating LSU. My thinking was that 1) we had an advantage over LSU of having already played a game; 2) UL has beat us pretty good the last couple years; 3) Friday night games are weird.
But then I saw Louisville look putrid against Syracuse and only mediocre against UCF. Granted both those games were on the road, but they seemed to have a legitimate issue generating any kind of pressure with their front four, while also giving up plenty of rushing lanes. Meanwhile, FSU has found a style and is sticking with it. Pound opponents with body blows on the ground and then go for a haymaker over the top about once a quarter.
Look, Malik Cunningham is going to make plays because that’s what he does. And some of those plays are going to leave you shaking your fist in frustration. But winning a football game takes more than a couple of long scrambles by your “quarterback.” This one might be back and forth for 2.5 quarters, but eventually the body blows lead to fatigue and fatigue leads to mistakes. FSU owns the 4th and wins by more than one score, with two missed field goals preventing this from being an even larger margin.
‘Noles 31, ‘Ville 20
Max Escarpio, Tomahawk Nation
FSU’s matchup in Louisville will depend on their current mental state. If they’re proud of a 2-0 start and begin this matchup in a sluggish manner, they’ll have trouble heading back to Tallahassee with a win. The Noles should feel accomplished, but they have to keep the hunger and desire for the bright lights. I believe they still have their heads down and want to prove they’re climbing back into college football relevance, so I have FSU winning this matchup 31-20. Cardinals quarterback Malik Cunningham will be the biggest strain in this contest; they need to keep Cunningham inside the pocket and make him throw it into the vicinity of a top-notch secondary. Florida State will head back home with their first 3-0 start since 2015.
FSU 31, Louisville 20
Perry Kostidakis, Tomahawk Nation
I feel confident in this game — which concerns me, but alas.
The key difference in this game compared to years past is that the Seminoles have (through two games) fielded a competent, multi-faceted offense. Call it the “bye week goggles,” but seeing how Louisville struggled to handle UCF last week before figuring out that John Rhys Plumlee doesn’t know how to throw a football offered some peace of mind. I still don’t think that FSU will have a complete answer for Malik Cunningham — while his pocket passing leaves a bit to be desired, he’s still an explosive play threat at all times and FSU struggled to shut down LSU’s Jayden Daniels once he started to get going. Louisville will keep fighting enough to make things stressful, but after starting 3-0 and 1-0 in the ACC for the first time since 2015, Saturday should be another day of easy watching.
FSU 35, Louisville 26
Gwyn Rhodes, Tomahawk Nation
If this game is anything like FSU softball vs. Louisville in the series past, it will be a close game. Jordan Travis and the RB room will take charge of the offense (similar to the offensive firepower the softball team showed in game 1 of their series against Louisville in 2021). Much like the softball teams last trip to Louisville, matching up against the Cardinal, the football fellas will also come out with a hard fought W.
FSU 36, Louisville 28
Jon Marchant, Tomahawk Nation
Malik Cunningham will get his. He’s done pretty much whatever he wants against FSU’s defense the last two seasons. But this time FSU’s offense matches up really well against Louisville’s weak rush defense and in the end I think the ’Noles do enough on offense and with an improved (read: more talented) defense to win a back-and-forth one.
FSU 33, Louisville 31
Ben Meyerson, Tomahawk Nation
The Seminoles struggled to contain the QB vs LSU in the Superdome they need to do their best to limit Malik Cunnigham. He will get some huge chunk plays and drive the ball downfield – you just cannot have him turn too many of those explosive plays into scores. On offense they need to slow down the game and take control early – I expect they will. Mix that in with some deep shots from Travis and they should put up some points.
FSU 30, Louisville 22
Mike Ferguson, Athlon Sports (LINK)
Friday night’s contest appears to be a critically important game for both teams. Midweek road games are never easy, but the Seminoles have had an extra week to prepare. At 2-0 for the first time since 2016, it will be interesting to see how Florida State handles success. For that to happen, the Seminoles will need to contain Cunningham and make him beat them as a passer. Louisville has struggled to stop the run this season. FSU has the weapons to beat the Cardinals on the ground.
Florida State 26, Louisville 20
Dustin Lewis (@Dussttin), Nole Gameday (LINK)
Quote: “I expect this one to be a little ugly since it’s Florida State’s first true road game but the Seminoles hold on in the fourth quarter to advance to 3-0. This team will be ranked for the first time since 2018 on Monday.”
Florida State 31, Louisville 27
Logan Robinson (@LogansTwitty), Nole Gameday
Quote: “I felt iffy on this game earlier in the week but after watching Monday and Tuesday’s practice, this team looks back into a groove like they did in preparation week for LSU. That’s what I needed to see.”
Florida State 31, Louisville 24
Austin Veazey (@NolesVikesVeaz), Nole Gameday
Quote: “I’m expecting FSU to look to sustain long drives and convert in the red zone, which they didn’t do a great job of in the latter half of the LSU game. Should be a heavy emphasis on the run game, so I’ll keep it lower scoring.”
Florida State 27, Louisville 24
Charleston Bowles (@Cbowles01), Nole Gameday
Quote: “I believe the offense relies on a steady balance between the pass and run, but the X-factor is redshirt junior quarterback Jordan Travis making efficient and smart decisions in the red zone.”
Florida State 30, Louisville 24
John Jenkins (@_jmj4_), Nole Gameday
This week is a big test in seeing where this football program is right now. Louisville has had relative success against the ‘Noles for the past few seasons. I expect the Seminoles to come out after a BYE, and execute building off of the momentum in Louisiana winning this game
Florida State 31, Louisville 17
Maddox Nebel (@MaddoxNebel), Nole Gameday
A physical matchup will be present throughout the game but the winning factor is quarterback play and that comes from Jordan Travis. This time as he takes down his former school.
Florida State 30, Louisville 24
Jon Conahan (@JonConahan), Nole Gameday
Florida State and Louisville should be one of the more entertaining games of the week. The Cardinals haven’t necessarily played well in the early part of the season, losing to Syracuse by 24 points and barely beating UCF. The Seminoles, on the other hand, have played exceptionally well and will continue that this Friday night.
Florida State 27, Louisville 13
Jacob Stevens (@Jacob_Stevens26), Nole Gameday
I think this game could go either way but the deciding factor will be if the ‘Noles can contain Malik Cunningham and I think they will.
Florida State 31, Louisville 21
Dillon Riera (@13d_riera), Nole Gameday
Quote: “For me, there exists no doubt in my mind the Florida State offense is going to find ways to put points on the board. Jordan Travis will helm the FSU offense (which is averaging 35.5 PPG) against a Louisville defense that is allowing roughly 207.5 rushing yards per game and yielding 22.5 PPG. Rather, the emphasis is on the defense to find ways to contain a streaky Louisville offense. Against LSU, the Florida State defense allowed Jayden Daniels, a well-known scrambling quarterback, to account for 114 of the Tigers’ 139 total rushing yards.”
Florida State 34, Louisville 27
Florida State Fan Consensus: 22 FSU wins – 0 FSU Losses
Consensus Score Predictions: Florida State 31.29 – Louisville 22.24
*Note: Did not count the guy who just said “Noles by 30”
I guess we’ll see, folks.
