ACC Championship 12-2-2023
After escaping the Sunshine Showdown, Florida State faces Louisville in the ACC Championship 12-2-2023. Their playoff hopes are on the line. Florida State leads the all-time series 17-6-1. Before discussing this week’s matchup, we must return to the last time these two teams played.
Last Year’s Matchup
Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a knee injury. It happened at the end of the second quarter. He was out for the rest of the game. In his relief, backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker threw two touchdowns. It helped the Seminoles win the game, 35-31. It was a season-ending injury for Travis. Rodemaker comes in with Florida State’s undefeated season on the line this year.
WR Weapons for FSU
Rodemaker faces a strong Louisville rushing defense. He must use the weaponry he has on the outside, led by Wilson, Keon Coleman, and Jaheim Bell. Wilson has become Rodemaker’s favorite target. Wilson caught both of Rodemaker’s touchdowns last year against the Cardinals. He also led the Seminoles in catches vs Florida. Enter Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman. Rodemaker must get Coleman more involved in this week’s game. In the last game, he only had one catch.
Benson Delivers the Mail
Rodemaker struggled in the rivalry game against Florida. Because of this, running back Trey Benson carried the Seminoles to a 17-game winning streak. Benson finished with 95 yards and three touchdowns.
Tomahawk Chop
The Seminole’s defense closed the game out against Florida’s first-start quarterback. I expected FSU’s defensive line to be a significant factor against Louisville’s offensive line. Albany transfer Jared Verse led the way. He had 2.5 sacks, and his pass rush led to Akeem Dent’s game-closing interception. Also making their presence known were:
- Patrick Payton
- Western Michigan transfer Bradon Fiske
- Fabien Lovett Sr.
Jeff Brohm :: ACC Championship 12-2-2023
While the Seminoles hold a significant lead in the series, this is a different Cardinals team. Louisville has been the year’s surprise with new coaching and a new quarterback. This was part of his plan for Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm.
Former Louisville coach Scott Satterfield left for Cincinnati. Brohm was the perfect person to lead the Cardinals. Brohm was more than a former quarterback for the Cardinals. He turned Purdue into a competitive team in the Big Ten. He led the team to four bowl appearances, a Big Ten West title, and three top 5 victories.
Brohm’s offensive playbook was not the only thing he brought to Louisville. Those following their head coach to the ACC include:
- Purdue’s former defensive coordinator, Ron English
- Running back coach Chris Barclay
- Quarterback Jack Plummer
Family Reunion :: ACC Championship 12-2-2023
English returns to Louisville after serving as the defensive coordinator in 2008. Known for quick defense turn-arounds, his Purdue teams allowed fewer yards and points. As the secondary coach, he was responsible for a secondary that picked off 27 passes.
English has made the same impact in Louisville. They have gone from being in the middle of the ACC in most categories to second in total defense. Louisville operates differently than English’s Purdue team by stopping the run.
The Cardinals rank first in the conference in rushing defense. These vital efforts have led English to become a Broyles Award finalist. Look for defensive end Ashton Gillotte to make his presence known. He is currently tied for sixth in sacks, with 10.
Cardinals Take Flight
While they have an improved defense, teams can’t stop Louisville on the other side of the ball. The Cardinals rank in the top three of the ACC in total offense. That includes passing and rushing offense, placing them among the top 5.
While Brohm gets most of the credit, Louisville bases its offense on its running game. There is no better running back coach at developing talent than Barclay. Last year at Purdue, walk-on Devin Mockobee became a star after a solid second half of the season. Barclay’s trend continued, finding underutilized running backs in Jahwar Jordan and Issac Guerando.
Jordan, a transfer from Syracuse, is second in the conference in rushing yards with 1,076. Wisconsin transfer Guerando has been a perfect complement in the running game. He had 639 yards of his own, which ranks 14th in the conference.
Call the Plummer: ACC Championship 12-2-2023
Look beyond the significant coaching pickups. One of Louisville’s best moves was picking up their best quarterback since Lamar Jackson. That was Jack Plummer. Plummer spent his first four seasons in West Lafayette before transferring to Cal. Coming off a career year at Cal, Plummer decided to reunite with Brohm. Plummer ranks second in the ACC in passing yards this season with 2,952.
Riley Locks Them Down
What is the key matchup to watch? It is Florida’s wide receivers against Louisville’s cornerbacks, led by Quincy Riley. Riley is a willing tackler. He has two interceptions, ten passes defended, and eight pass breakups. Rodemaker will have difficulty passing the ball on to whoever Riley covers.
What to expect from the ACC Championship 12-2-2023
Will the Cardinals continue to play spoiler and end Florida State’s playoff hopes? Or will the Seminoles ride their winning streak into their first playoff berth since 2014? Find out with University Foot-Ball.
Author: Tarohn Finley
