Sep 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) avoids the tackle of Florida State Seminoles linebacker Dontavious Jackson (5) during the second quarter at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Photo Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — If one was wondering about the legitimacy of No. 10 Louisville as a national contender, wonder no more.
The Cardinals took No. 2 Florida State behind the woodshed in a dominant display on Saturday, administering a 63-20 Atlantic Coast Conference whipping at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson stamped himself as the clear favorite for the Heisman Trophy, accounting for five touchdowns. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 216 yards with a score and an interception, while running 17 times for 146 yards and a career high-tying four touchdowns.
In three games, Jackson has thrown for 913 yards and eight scores while rushing for 464 yards and 10 touchdowns. Dating back to the final two contests of the 2015 season, Jackson has accumulated 100 yards rushing and passing in five consecutive games.
Jackson had plenty of help, however. Running back Brandon Radcliff added 118 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while wide receiver James Quick caught seven passes for 122 yards.
Defensively, Louisville (3-0, 2-0) stifled the Seminoles (2-1, 0-1), limiting them to 284 yards and 20 first downs, with those numbers padded by two fourth-quarter scoring drives. Its front seven consistently pushed back Florida State’s offensive line, putting freshman quarterback Deondre Francois under duress all day.
Aside from a 20-yard touchdown pass to Auden Tate at the 10:56 mark of the second quarter that pulled the Seminoles within 14-10, Francois didn’t have time to look for open men. He completed just 7 of 18 passes for 101 yards and an interception while being sacked five times and getting knocked down at least three other times.
The Cardinals even produced a pair of big plays on punt returns. Jaire Alexander raced 69 yards for a touchdown 71 seconds into the third quarter, ending any ideas that FSU could produce a miracle rally. He also peeled off a 61-yard return late in the period.
A touchdown and field goal in the game’s final 5 minutes, 19 seconds enabled the Seminoles to avoid the most lopsided loss in school history.
NOTES: Florida State DE Josh Sweat started the game despite a knee injury that left his status up in the air. … Louisville donned special red helmets with a butterfly on the back to honor the late Muhammad Ali. It was the first time in about 40 years it’s worn red helmets. … Seminoles S Derwin James (knee) missed the game after being injured last week against Charleston Southern. He could be out another six weeks.
