ACC Football News & Notes: Florida State vs Louisville for the Title

The Seminoles trotted out backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker for their road game at Florida. In his first start for FSU this season, he completed 12-of-25 for 134 yards. His teammates gave him all the help he would need to get the road win and finish an undefeated regular season. RB Trey Benson scored three times while running for 95 yards on 19 carriers. His touchdown runs were 1, 36, and 26 yards. His defense also gave the young QB help as they registered six quarterback sacks and 11 tackles for loss. The Seminoles would overcome a 12-0 deficit to get the win and keep their college football playoff hopes alive.

The loss of Jordan Travis is a big one for the team and the offense. He ranks in the top-3 in the conference in passing efficiency (154.5), passing touchdowns (20), passing yards (2,756), passing yards per game (250.5), passing yards per completion (13.31), and completion percentage (63.9), points responsible (162), points responsible per game (14.7), yards per pass attempts (8.51), and total offense yards per game (266.5). He was one of only three players in the country with at least 20 touchdown passes and two or fewer interceptions. That’s a lot to leave out of a championship game. However, the Seminoles can make up for it in different ways. It’s the main reason they will bring an 18-game winning streak into this game. FSU has the 17th-ranked passing offense in FBS at 289.5 yards per game. They are 22nd in total offense at 441.8 yards. They are 21st in red zone offense at 90.9%. They are 7th in FBS in scoring offense at 40.1 a game. Running back Trey Benson is third in the league and top-25 in the country with 14 rushing touchdowns. On defense, the Seminoles are just as good. They are 24th in total defense (323.1 yards), 12th in scoring defense at 16.9 points, and the defense has not allowed 30 points all season long. They are one of five teams in the nation to do this. The Seminoles defensive unit is also the best in the ACC and top-20 in the nation in team passing efficiency defense they are fifth at 100.87.

The Louisville Cardinals’ 10-win season was their first since 2013. The loss snapped an 11-game home winning streak, which was fourth best in FBS. The defense gave up 31 second-half points to the Wildcats. Something they had not done all season. The Cardinals did lead the ACC and were second in the nation in red zone defense at 66.7%. Last week they allowed two red zone scores as well as a special teams touchdown. The Cardinals defense was 17th in scoring defense at 18.4 points. They were 21st in total defense at 317 yards a game. Their team passing efficiency is at 27th 120.96. Their rush defense is 12th in FBS 98 yards a game. Ashton Gillotte leads the defense with 0.91 sacks per game. He is tied for eighth in the country with 10 total sacks. Safety Devin Neal is tied for 14th in the nation with four interceptions. On offense, they are 26th in scoring offense 33.2 points. They are 22nd in total offense at 441.8 yards. 24th in team passing efficiency 155.99. Their rushing offense is 28th at 185.5 yards.  Jawhar Jones is 28th overall in FBS with an average of 115.64 all-purpose yards per game. He has run for over 1,000 yards, 200 receiving yards, and 63 kickoff return yards.

The Seminoles should be the favorite in this game. However, do not sleep on the Cardinals. Hope you have enjoyed the season of ACC Football Notes.