The Cardiac Cardinals were in full effect for a second week in a row. On a night they celebrated one of their icons, Michael Bush, the Cardinals (1-2, 0-2 ACC) could not capitalize on a Seminoles team that lost starting quarterback Jordan Travis in the first half and had struggled to handle U of L’s defensive pressure with Rodemaker in charge early in the second half.
Louisville had two chances late to win the game after FSU went ahead on the Wilson TD reception, but the Cardinals’ first drive ended with a turnover on downs with 4:42 left. After FSU kicker Ryan Fitzgerald missed a 36-yard field goal with 1:44 left, Cunningham failed to lead a game-winning drive and threw an interception with 37 seconds left to end it.
Two plays after Florida State started its final drive that began at the Louisville 34-yard line following a Cardinals drive that ended with a turnover on downs, U of L was called for pass interference. Treshaun Ward followed the penalty up with a 13-yard run and the Seminoles got into field goal range only for Fitzgerald to miss the kick.
The Cardinals also failed to win a game it had under control after Travis exited the game with a leg injury and didn’t return. U of L hounded Rodemaker to start, forcing three sacks and an interception. Rodemaker used halftime to settle in, however, and shook off the rocky start. After getting sacked by Diaby with 14:25 on the clock, the Seminoles’ backup QB hurled a 69-yard pass to Johnny Wilson then connected with the receiver on a 10-yard touchdown to tie the game at 28.But Rodemaker ended the night 6 of 10 for 109 yards and two crucial touchdowns late to lead a comeback effort. FSU is 3-0 for the first time since 2015.
