LOOKING FOR A SPARK

BOTH CARDINALS, SEMINOLES ARE OFF TO ROCKY STARTS

Improve passing game:

The Cardinals are 13th out of 14 ACC teams in passing offense through three games, averaging 186.3 yards. They’ll need better output to balance a rushing attack that leads the ACC. Improvement might be hard to come by against Florida State if starting quarterback Jawon Pass sits out a second straight game with a foot injury. His replacement, Malik Cunningham, is more of a dual-threat quarterback than a pocket guy like Pass. Reverse the turnover ratio: Another area Louisville ranks near the bottom of the ACC is turnover margin. They’ve forced three fumbles, but have committed six miscues, including five interceptions. Collecting a

turnover or two in what will be the most hostile environment they’ve faced so far this season could take the crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium out of the game, which would be a big plus for the Cardinals.

Keys for Florida State

Play smarter: The Seminoles are the most penalized team in the ACC for a second straight season. They’re being flagged for an average of 78.3 yards through the first three games. Penalties proved especially costly down the stretch in last week’s loss against Virginia when FSU’s defense was flagged five times in the fourth quarter.

Feed Cam Akers: Injuries prevented Akers from living up to his reputation as a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2018. But the junior is healthy now and

piling up yards in spite of FSU’s problems on the offensive line. He enters the Louisville game leading the ACC with a 129yard average. Feeding Akers the ball early and often should result in some big plays and momentum for the Seminoles.

Prediction

Florida State 34, Louisville 31: The Seminoles should be playing with a sense of urgency after an unsettling start filled with close encounters. This figures to be another down-to-the-wire affair against a Louisville squad that has made major strides under first-year coach Scott Satterfield. But with a home crowd behind them and Cam Akers slicing off chunks of rushing yardage, FSU earns its first league victory.

[MIKE STRASINGER/ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS] Louisville receiver Tutu Atwell.