House of Cards

’Nolesdefense crumbles during blowout loss

Florida State’s defense couldn’t build on its strong performance during an upset of North Carolina, struggling during a 48-16 road loss to Louisville on Saturday.

The Cardinals offense shook up the FSU defense, taking hold of the game in the first half and never letting go.

FSU linebacker Emmett Rice, who led the Seminoles with eight overall tackles and six solo stops, said every defensive player failed to execute the game plan and avoid mistakes.

“We just weren’t doing our jobs,” Rice said after the loss. “Eight out of the whole 11 would do their job and a big play would happen. I feel like if all 11 were to do their jobs, then we would’ve had those big plays.”

FSU (2-4, 1-4 ACC) showed a flicker of promise early when quarterback Jordan Travis retrieved a fumble with one hand, evaded tacklers and scrambled for a touchdown that put his team ahead 7-0.

Louisville (2-4, 1-4 ACC), however, answered with four touchdown drives the Seminoles could not stop or match.

Overall, Louisville accumulated 569 yards while the Seminoles gained 406. The difference is just two of FSU’s drives ended in the end zone.

The Cardinals’ first four scoring drives spanned seven or fewer plays, striking quickly while poking holes throughout the Seminoles’ defense.

Javian Hawkins carried the ball 16 times for 174 yards and three touchdowns, including a 70-yard scoring run that helped deflate the Seminoles.

FSU players quickly grew frustrated and couldn’t capitalize when the defense limited Louisville to 17 points in the second half.

“Offensively, defensively we gave up way too many explosives, some missed tackles, explosive runs, gave up a couple of plays and man-to-man coverage,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “It’s a talented and explosive offense we faced and we didn’t do much to slow them down today.”

FSU earned a safety in the