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That’s 24-0. The winning streak continues in Tallahassee.

Behind the 401 yards passing by Jameis Winston and the running of Dalvin Cook, FSU scored 35 points in the second half to win 42-31. The win kept FSU unbeaten and on the road to a date in the national title playoff.

The team had its struggles as the Cardinals defense came to play and shut FSU down in the first half. Davante Parker and Michael Dyer proved they were two weapons that could control the Seminoles defense.

Here is the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from this contest.

THE GOOD – THE RECOVERY OF JAMEIS WINSTON

He looked out of sync and looked hurt during the second half of the game. Jameis Winston did what he normally does in pressure situations – he delivered the goods.

FSU was a tale of two halves, scoring 35 points in the second stanza when the offense needed to turn the switch on.

Winston had 401 yards passing, three touchdowns and ran for 20 yards on a key third down play. Also, the Seminoles have found their running back in Dalvin Cook. The freshman ran for 110 yards on nine carries and scored twice.

With AP No. 2 Florida State taking on unranked Louisville tonight on ESPN (NOTE: Louisville is No. 25 in the CFP Rankings).

Teams ranked higher than their opponent in the AP Poll have a .692 win percentage (81-36) on Thursdays since 2005 including a .563 win pct on road (36-28). Over the same span, higher-ranked teams have an .813 win percentage on all other days during the regular season including a .733 win percentage on the road. * An unranked team has defeated an AP-ranked team on a Thursday during the regular season every year since 2002 including Arizona at No. 2 Oregon earlier this season * An unranked Louisville team upset No. 4 Florida State in overtime on a Thursday night the last time these teams played in 2002 (also at Louisville)

THE BAD – LOUISVILLE HAS MAD SKILL PLAYERS, TOO

Five Words – Davante Parker and Michael Dyer. Both Cardinals offensive stars will leave FSU’s defense with nightmares. You cannot teach talent like that. Dyer ran for 134 yards and two scores and exposed the Seminoles front seven. Parker proved he is one of the best receivers in the country by catching right passes for 214 yards. Will Gardner threw for 330 yards in the game. The Louisville defense was impressive, but slowed down at the end of the game. The better team won on Thursday.

THE UGLY – BITS AND PIECES

The most memorable part of the game might be Roberto Aguayo missed a field goal. This was the 24^th straight game the ‘Noles have won. The Noles looked lost when they were down 21-7 at the half. Jameis Winston had a 400-yard passing game and three touchdowns, but he also had three picks. You cannot win a national title with those stats.

Gerod Holliman had two interceptions for the Cardinals secondary.

This is the 3rd time that Florida State has been held scoreless in the 1st quarter since the start of last season. In the previous 2 instances (Duke in 2013 ACC Title and Wake Forest this season), the Seminoles went on to finish with 45 and 43 points for the game.

Dyer is the 1st player to run for 3 TDs against Florida State since NC State's Russell Wilson ran for 3 scores against the Seminoles on October 28th, 2010.

That’s 24-0. The winning streak continues in Tallahassee.

Behind the 401 yards passing by Jameis Winston and the running of Dalvin Cook, FSU scored 35 points in the second half to win 42-31. The win kept FSU unbeaten and on the road to a date in the national title playoff.

The team had its struggles as the Cardinals defense came to play and shut FSU down in the first half. Davante Parker and Michael Dyer proved they were two weapons that could control the Seminoles defense.

Here is the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from this contest.

THE GOOD – THE RECOVERY OF JAMEIS WINSTON

He looked out of sync and looked hurt during the second half of the game. Jameis Winston did what he normally does in pressure situations – he delivered the goods.

FSU was a tale of two halves, scoring 35 points in the second stanza when the offense needed to turn the switch on.

Winston had 401 yards passing, three touchdowns and ran for 20 yards on a key third down play. Also, the Seminoles have found their running back in Dalvin Cook. The freshman ran for 110 yards on nine carries and scored twice.

With AP No. 2 Florida State taking on unranked Louisville tonight on ESPN (NOTE: Louisville is No. 25 in the CFP Rankings).

Teams ranked higher than their opponent in the AP Poll have a .692 win percentage (81-36) on Thursdays since 2005 including a .563 win pct on road (36-28). Over the same span, higher-ranked teams have an .813 win percentage on all other days during the regular season including a .733 win percentage on the road. * An unranked team has defeated an AP-ranked team on a Thursday during the regular season every year since 2002 including Arizona at No. 2 Oregon earlier this season * An unranked Louisville team upset No. 4 Florida State in overtime on a Thursday night the last time these teams played in 2002 (also at Louisville)

THE BAD – LOUISVILLE HAS MAD SKILL PLAYERS, TOO

Five Words – Davante Parker and Michael Dyer. Both Cardinals offensive stars will leave FSU’s defense with nightmares. You cannot teach talent like that. Dyer ran for 134 yards and two scores and exposed the Seminoles front seven. Parker proved he is one of the best receivers in the country by catching right passes for 214 yards. Will Gardner threw for 330 yards in the game. The Louisville defense was impressive, but slowed down at the end of the game. The better team won on Thursday.

THE UGLY – BITS AND PIECES

The most memorable part of the game might be Roberto Aguayo missed a field goal. This was the 24^th straight game the ‘Noles have won. The Noles looked lost when they were down 21-7 at the half. Jameis Winston had a 400-yard passing game and three touchdowns, but he also had three picks. You cannot win a national title with those stats.

Gerod Holliman had two interceptions for the Cardinals secondary.

This is the 3rd time that Florida State has been held scoreless in the 1st quarter since the start of last season. In the previous 2 instances (Duke in 2013 ACC Title and Wake Forest this season), the Seminoles went on to finish with 45 and 43 points for the game.

Dyer is the 1st player to run for 3 TDs against Florida State since NC State's Russell Wilson ran for 3 scores against the Seminoles on October 28th, 2010.

That’s 24-0. The winning streak continues in Tallahassee.

Behind the 401 yards passing by Jameis Winston and the running of Dalvin Cook, FSU scored 35 points in the second half to win 42-31. The win kept FSU unbeaten and on the road to a date in the national title playoff.

The team had its struggles as the Cardinals defense came to play and shut FSU down in the first half. Davante Parker and Michael Dyer proved they were two weapons that could control the Seminoles defense.

Here is the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from this contest.

THE GOOD – THE RECOVERY OF JAMEIS WINSTON

He looked out of sync and looked hurt during the second half of the game. Jameis Winston did what he normally does in pressure situations – he delivered the goods.

FSU was a tale of two halves, scoring 35 points in the second stanza when the offense needed to turn the switch on.

Winston had 401 yards passing, three touchdowns and ran for 20 yards on a key third down play. Also, the Seminoles have found their running back in Dalvin Cook. The freshman ran for 110 yards on nine carries and scored twice.

With AP No. 2 Florida State taking on unranked Louisville tonight on ESPN (NOTE: Louisville is No. 25 in the CFP Rankings).

Teams ranked higher than their opponent in the AP Poll have a .692 win percentage (81-36) on Thursdays since 2005 including a .563 win pct on road (36-28). Over the same span, higher-ranked teams have an .813 win percentage on all other days during the regular season including a .733 win percentage on the road. * An unranked team has defeated an AP-ranked team on a Thursday during the regular season every year since 2002 including Arizona at No. 2 Oregon earlier this season * An unranked Louisville team upset No. 4 Florida State in overtime on a Thursday night the last time these teams played in 2002 (also at Louisville)

THE BAD – LOUISVILLE HAS MAD SKILL PLAYERS, TOO

Five Words – Davante Parker and Michael Dyer. Both Cardinals offensive stars will leave FSU’s defense with nightmares. You cannot teach talent like that. Dyer ran for 134 yards and two scores and exposed the Seminoles front seven. Parker proved he is one of the best receivers in the country by catching right passes for 214 yards. Will Gardner threw for 330 yards in the game. The Louisville defense was impressive, but slowed down at the end of the game. The better team won on Thursday.

THE UGLY – BITS AND PIECES

The most memorable part of the game might be Roberto Aguayo missed a field goal. This was the 24^th straight game the ‘Noles have won. The Noles looked lost when they were down 21-7 at the half. Jameis Winston had a 400-yard passing game and three touchdowns, but he also had three picks. You cannot win a national title with those stats.

Gerod Holliman had two interceptions for the Cardinals secondary.

This is the 3rd time that Florida State has been held scoreless in the 1st quarter since the start of last season. In the previous 2 instances (Duke in 2013 ACC Title and Wake Forest this season), the Seminoles went on to finish with 45 and 43 points for the game.

Dyer is the 1st player to run for 3 TDs against Florida State since NC State's Russell Wilson ran for 3 scores against the Seminoles on October 28th, 2010.

That’s 24-0. The winning streak continues in Tallahassee.

Behind the 401 yards passing by Jameis Winston and the running of Dalvin Cook, FSU scored 35 points in the second half to win 42-31. The win kept FSU unbeaten and on the road to a date in the national title playoff.

The team had its struggles as the Cardinals defense came to play and shut FSU down in the first half. Davante Parker and Michael Dyer proved they were two weapons that could control the Seminoles defense.

Here is the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from this contest.

THE GOOD – THE RECOVERY OF JAMEIS WINSTON

He looked out of sync and looked hurt during the second half of the game. Jameis Winston did what he normally does in pressure situations – he delivered the goods.

FSU was a tale of two halves, scoring 35 points in the second stanza when the offense needed to turn the switch on.

Winston had 401 yards passing, three touchdowns and ran for 20 yards on a key third down play. Also, the Seminoles have found their running back in Dalvin Cook. The freshman ran for 110 yards on nine carries and scored twice.

With AP No. 2 Florida State taking on unranked Louisville tonight on ESPN (NOTE: Louisville is No. 25 in the CFP Rankings).

Teams ranked higher than their opponent in the AP Poll have a .692 win percentage (81-36) on Thursdays since 2005 including a .563 win pct on road (36-28). Over the same span, higher-ranked teams have an .813 win percentage on all other days during the regular season including a .733 win percentage on the road. * An unranked team has defeated an AP-ranked team on a Thursday during the regular season every year since 2002 including Arizona at No. 2 Oregon earlier this season * An unranked Louisville team upset No. 4 Florida State in overtime on a Thursday night the last time these teams played in 2002 (also at Louisville)

THE BAD – LOUISVILLE HAS MAD SKILL PLAYERS, TOO

Five Words – Davante Parker and Michael Dyer. Both Cardinals offensive stars will leave FSU’s defense with nightmares. You cannot teach talent like that. Dyer ran for 134 yards and two scores and exposed the Seminoles front seven. Parker proved he is one of the best receivers in the country by catching right passes for 214 yards. Will Gardner threw for 330 yards in the game. The Louisville defense was impressive, but slowed down at the end of the game. The better team won on Thursday.

THE UGLY – BITS AND PIECES

The most memorable part of the game might be Roberto Aguayo missed a field goal. This was the 24^th straight game the ‘Noles have won. The Noles looked lost when they were down 21-7 at the half. Jameis Winston had a 400-yard passing game and three touchdowns, but he also had three picks. You cannot win a national title with those stats.

Gerod Holliman had two interceptions for the Cardinals secondary.

This is the 3rd time that Florida State has been held scoreless in the 1st quarter since the start of last season. In the previous 2 instances (Duke in 2013 ACC Title and Wake Forest this season), the Seminoles went on to finish with 45 and 43 points for the game.

Dyer is the 1st player to run for 3 TDs against Florida State since NC State's Russell Wilson ran for 3 scores against the Seminoles on October 28th, 2010.

That’s 24-0. The winning streak continues in Tallahassee.

Behind the 401 yards passing by Jameis Winston and the running of Dalvin Cook, FSU scored 35 points in the second half to win 42-31. The win kept FSU unbeaten and on the road to a date in the national title playoff.

The team had its struggles as the Cardinals defense came to play and shut FSU down in the first half. Davante Parker and Michael Dyer proved they were two weapons that could control the Seminoles defense.

Here is the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from this contest.

THE GOOD – THE RECOVERY OF JAMEIS WINSTON

He looked out of sync and looked hurt during the second half of the game. Jameis Winston did what he normally does in pressure situations – he delivered the goods.

FSU was a tale of two halves, scoring 35 points in the second stanza when the offense needed to turn the switch on.

Winston had 401 yards passing, three touchdowns and ran for 20 yards on a key third down play. Also, the Seminoles have found their running back in Dalvin Cook. The freshman ran for 110 yards on nine carries and scored twice.

With AP No. 2 Florida State taking on unranked Louisville tonight on ESPN (NOTE: Louisville is No. 25 in the CFP Rankings).

Teams ranked higher than their opponent in the AP Poll have a .692 win percentage (81-36) on Thursdays since 2005 including a .563 win pct on road (36-28). Over the same span, higher-ranked teams have an .813 win percentage on all other days during the regular season including a .733 win percentage on the road. * An unranked team has defeated an AP-ranked team on a Thursday during the regular season every year since 2002 including Arizona at No. 2 Oregon earlier this season * An unranked Louisville team upset No. 4 Florida State in overtime on a Thursday night the last time these teams played in 2002 (also at Louisville)

THE BAD – LOUISVILLE HAS MAD SKILL PLAYERS, TOO

Five Words – Davante Parker and Michael Dyer. Both Cardinals offensive stars will leave FSU’s defense with nightmares. You cannot teach talent like that. Dyer ran for 134 yards and two scores and exposed the Seminoles front seven. Parker proved he is one of the best receivers in the country by catching right passes for 214 yards. Will Gardner threw for 330 yards in the game. The Louisville defense was impressive, but slowed down at the end of the game. The better team won on Thursday.

THE UGLY – BITS AND PIECES

The most memorable part of the game might be Roberto Aguayo missed a field goal. This was the 24^th straight game the ‘Noles have won. The Noles looked lost when they were down 21-7 at the half. Jameis Winston had a 400-yard passing game and three touchdowns, but he also had three picks. You cannot win a national title with those stats.

Gerod Holliman had two interceptions for the Cardinals secondary.

This is the 3rd time that Florida State has been held scoreless in the 1st quarter since the start of last season. In the previous 2 instances (Duke in 2013 ACC Title and Wake Forest this season), the Seminoles went on to finish with 45 and 43 points for the game.

Dyer is the 1st player to run for 3 TDs against Florida State since NC State's Russell Wilson ran for 3 scores against the Seminoles on October 28th, 2010.

That’s 24-0. The winning streak continues in Tallahassee.

Behind the 401 yards passing by Jameis Winston and the running of Dalvin Cook, FSU scored 35 points in the second half to win 42-31. The win kept FSU unbeaten and on the road to a date in the national title playoff.

The team had its struggles as the Cardinals defense came to play and shut FSU down in the first half. Davante Parker and Michael Dyer proved they were two weapons that could control the Seminoles defense.

Here is the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from this contest.

THE GOOD – THE RECOVERY OF JAMEIS WINSTON

He looked out of sync and looked hurt during the second half of the game. Jameis Winston did what he normally does in pressure situations – he delivered the goods.

FSU was a tale of two halves, scoring 35 points in the second stanza when the offense needed to turn the switch on.

Winston had 401 yards passing, three touchdowns and ran for 20 yards on a key third down play. Also, the Seminoles have found their running back in Dalvin Cook. The freshman ran for 110 yards on nine carries and scored twice.

With AP No. 2 Florida State taking on unranked Louisville tonight on ESPN (NOTE: Louisville is No. 25 in the CFP Rankings).

Teams ranked higher than their opponent in the AP Poll have a .692 win percentage (81-36) on Thursdays since 2005 including a .563 win pct on road (36-28). Over the same span, higher-ranked teams have an .813 win percentage on all other days during the regular season including a .733 win percentage on the road. * An unranked team has defeated an AP-ranked team on a Thursday during the regular season every year since 2002 including Arizona at No. 2 Oregon earlier this season * An unranked Louisville team upset No. 4 Florida State in overtime on a Thursday night the last time these teams played in 2002 (also at Louisville)

THE BAD – LOUISVILLE HAS MAD SKILL PLAYERS, TOO

Five Words – Davante Parker and Michael Dyer. Both Cardinals offensive stars will leave FSU’s defense with nightmares. You cannot teach talent like that. Dyer ran for 134 yards and two scores and exposed the Seminoles front seven. Parker proved he is one of the best receivers in the country by catching right passes for 214 yards. Will Gardner threw for 330 yards in the game. The Louisville defense was impressive, but slowed down at the end of the game. The better team won on Thursday.

THE UGLY – BITS AND PIECES

The most memorable part of the game might be Roberto Aguayo missed a field goal. This was the 24^th straight game the ‘Noles have won. The Noles looked lost when they were down 21-7 at the half. Jameis Winston had a 400-yard passing game and three touchdowns, but he also had three picks. You cannot win a national title with those stats.

Gerod Holliman had two interceptions for the Cardinals secondary.

This is the 3rd time that Florida State has been held scoreless in the 1st quarter since the start of last season. In the previous 2 instances (Duke in 2013 ACC Title and Wake Forest this season), the Seminoles went on to finish with 45 and 43 points for the game.

Dyer is the 1st player to run for 3 TDs against Florida State since NC State's Russell Wilson ran for 3 scores against the Seminoles on October 28th, 2010.

The last time FSU and Louisville met, it was a Thursday night. The Seminoles traveled to Louisville and the Cardinals won the contest, having a direct bearing on FSU and its national title hopes.

That was 12 years ago. Certainly, a lot has changed in that time period, but the importance of the game is just as great. FSU is fighting for a berth in the national title playoff.

Louisville has been hot and cold in its first season in the ACC and is looking to play spoiler. Can the ‘Noles avoid the bite of playing to a national crowd on ESPN and come through with a huge win on the road? This should be the Seminoles toughest challenge of the remaining schedule.

Here are five things to know.

THE CARDINALS DEFENSE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE

The Cardinals have probably the nation’s top defense. Just look at the numbers: No. 1 in total defense (245.8 ypg), No. 1 in raw and adjusted Total QBR (12.5/14.7), No. 1 against the run (2.31 ypc), No. 1 in first downs (13 pg) and No. 1 in red zone efficiency (30 percent).

They are also No. 2 in yards per play (3.91), No. 2 in third-down conversion rate (24 percent), No. 4 in scoring average (14.6) and No. 5 in sacks (28). Lorenzo Mauldin (six sacks) and Sheldon Rankins (five) are among the ACC’s sack leaders. Three other Louisville players have at least three sacks. Gerod Holliman is tied for the nation’s lead in interceptions (eight).

This defense is flat-out lethal, and moving the ball against Louisville will be no easy chore for Jameis Winston & Co.

FSU WILL SCORE IN BUNCHES

Louisville has the conference’s best defense and very well might have the best unit in the country. This is probably the best defense the Seminoles will face before the playoff. That doesn’t mean the Cardinals will be able to stop them, though.

Winston has never been held to below 30 points, and the Seminoles should make a run at 30 again at Louisville. Although the offense has looked out of sync at times, the passing offense has been able to pick up yards in chunks and make the big plays when needed. The rushing attack can be best described as anemic, but it can push the ball into the end zone near the goal line. If Louisville is going to win, history suggests it will need to score in the 30s.

THE DISADVANTAGED CARDINALS OFFENSE

At least not without the help of an opportunistic defense that can give the Cards’ offense short fields with which to work. Gardner has been reinserted into the starting lineup, but the sophomore quarterback has taken his lumps this season. He is completing only 57 percent of his passes, and, while he’s thrown 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions, he’s had turnover issues.

That’s thanks in large part to an offensive line that can’t protect its quarterback. Both teams are among the best in the country at scoring touchdowns in the red zone, but both are among the best at preventing teams from doing the same.

WINSTON ROLLS

Even though it looks now like Winston could've lost four of his last seven games, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has pulled out the win each time. Until a team actually beats him, it’s not a smart move betting against him. He made all the right plays in the national championship, had a remarkable touchdown run and throw against Oklahoma State, and operated second-half comebacks against NC State and Notre Dame.

When tied or trailing, Winston is 144-of-199 passing (72 percent) for 1,860 yards (9.3 yards per attempt), 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 2013 Florida State team was among the most dominant in college football history, but in 2014 it has often been the Jameis Winston Show. And every new installment always ends the same.

IN THE END, FSU WINS

There is no other way to say this than FSU is better than Louisville. Jameis Winston will be able to pick apart the Cardinals defense and FSU will use more of the running game with Dalvin Cook. This is a game that should be over by the third quarter.

FSU 41 LOUISVILLE 20

The last time FSU and Louisville met, it was a Thursday night. The Seminoles traveled to Louisville and the Cardinals won the contest, having a direct bearing on FSU and its national title hopes.

That was 12 years ago. Certainly, a lot has changed in that time period, but the importance of the game is just as great. FSU is fighting for a berth in the national title playoff.

Louisville has been hot and cold in its first season in the ACC and is looking to play spoiler. Can the ‘Noles avoid the bite of playing to a national crowd on ESPN and come through with a huge win on the road? This should be the Seminoles toughest challenge of the remaining schedule.

Here are five things to know.

THE CARDINALS DEFENSE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE

The Cardinals have probably the nation’s top defense. Just look at the numbers: No. 1 in total defense (245.8 ypg), No. 1 in raw and adjusted Total QBR (12.5/14.7), No. 1 against the run (2.31 ypc), No. 1 in first downs (13 pg) and No. 1 in red zone efficiency (30 percent).

They are also No. 2 in yards per play (3.91), No. 2 in third-down conversion rate (24 percent), No. 4 in scoring average (14.6) and No. 5 in sacks (28). Lorenzo Mauldin (six sacks) and Sheldon Rankins (five) are among the ACC’s sack leaders. Three other Louisville players have at least three sacks. Gerod Holliman is tied for the nation’s lead in interceptions (eight).

This defense is flat-out lethal, and moving the ball against Louisville will be no easy chore for Jameis Winston & Co.

FSU WILL SCORE IN BUNCHES

Louisville has the conference’s best defense and very well might have the best unit in the country. This is probably the best defense the Seminoles will face before the playoff. That doesn’t mean the Cardinals will be able to stop them, though.

Winston has never been held to below 30 points, and the Seminoles should make a run at 30 again at Louisville. Although the offense has looked out of sync at times, the passing offense has been able to pick up yards in chunks and make the big plays when needed. The rushing attack can be best described as anemic, but it can push the ball into the end zone near the goal line. If Louisville is going to win, history suggests it will need to score in the 30s.

THE DISADVANTAGED CARDINALS OFFENSE

At least not without the help of an opportunistic defense that can give the Cards’ offense short fields with which to work. Gardner has been reinserted into the starting lineup, but the sophomore quarterback has taken his lumps this season. He is completing only 57 percent of his passes, and, while he’s thrown 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions, he’s had turnover issues.

That’s thanks in large part to an offensive line that can’t protect its quarterback. Both teams are among the best in the country at scoring touchdowns in the red zone, but both are among the best at preventing teams from doing the same.

WINSTON ROLLS

Even though it looks now like Winston could've lost four of his last seven games, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has pulled out the win each time. Until a team actually beats him, it’s not a smart move betting against him. He made all the right plays in the national championship, had a remarkable touchdown run and throw against Oklahoma State, and operated second-half comebacks against NC State and Notre Dame.

When tied or trailing, Winston is 144-of-199 passing (72 percent) for 1,860 yards (9.3 yards per attempt), 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 2013 Florida State team was among the most dominant in college football history, but in 2014 it has often been the Jameis Winston Show. And every new installment always ends the same.

IN THE END, FSU WINS

There is no other way to say this than FSU is better than Louisville. Jameis Winston will be able to pick apart the Cardinals defense and FSU will use more of the running game with Dalvin Cook. This is a game that should be over by the third quarter.

FSU 41 LOUISVILLE 20

The last time FSU and Louisville met, it was a Thursday night. The Seminoles traveled to Louisville and the Cardinals won the contest, having a direct bearing on FSU and its national title hopes.

That was 12 years ago. Certainly, a lot has changed in that time period, but the importance of the game is just as great. FSU is fighting for a berth in the national title playoff.

Louisville has been hot and cold in its first season in the ACC and is looking to play spoiler. Can the ‘Noles avoid the bite of playing to a national crowd on ESPN and come through with a huge win on the road? This should be the Seminoles toughest challenge of the remaining schedule.

Here are five things to know.

THE CARDINALS DEFENSE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE

The Cardinals have probably the nation’s top defense. Just look at the numbers: No. 1 in total defense (245.8 ypg), No. 1 in raw and adjusted Total QBR (12.5/14.7), No. 1 against the run (2.31 ypc), No. 1 in first downs (13 pg) and No. 1 in red zone efficiency (30 percent).

They are also No. 2 in yards per play (3.91), No. 2 in third-down conversion rate (24 percent), No. 4 in scoring average (14.6) and No. 5 in sacks (28). Lorenzo Mauldin (six sacks) and Sheldon Rankins (five) are among the ACC’s sack leaders. Three other Louisville players have at least three sacks. Gerod Holliman is tied for the nation’s lead in interceptions (eight).

This defense is flat-out lethal, and moving the ball against Louisville will be no easy chore for Jameis Winston & Co.

FSU WILL SCORE IN BUNCHES

Louisville has the conference’s best defense and very well might have the best unit in the country. This is probably the best defense the Seminoles will face before the playoff. That doesn’t mean the Cardinals will be able to stop them, though.

Winston has never been held to below 30 points, and the Seminoles should make a run at 30 again at Louisville. Although the offense has looked out of sync at times, the passing offense has been able to pick up yards in chunks and make the big plays when needed. The rushing attack can be best described as anemic, but it can push the ball into the end zone near the goal line. If Louisville is going to win, history suggests it will need to score in the 30s.

THE DISADVANTAGED CARDINALS OFFENSE

At least not without the help of an opportunistic defense that can give the Cards’ offense short fields with which to work. Gardner has been reinserted into the starting lineup, but the sophomore quarterback has taken his lumps this season. He is completing only 57 percent of his passes, and, while he’s thrown 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions, he’s had turnover issues.

That’s thanks in large part to an offensive line that can’t protect its quarterback. Both teams are among the best in the country at scoring touchdowns in the red zone, but both are among the best at preventing teams from doing the same.

WINSTON ROLLS

Even though it looks now like Winston could've lost four of his last seven games, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has pulled out the win each time. Until a team actually beats him, it’s not a smart move betting against him. He made all the right plays in the national championship, had a remarkable touchdown run and throw against Oklahoma State, and operated second-half comebacks against NC State and Notre Dame.

When tied or trailing, Winston is 144-of-199 passing (72 percent) for 1,860 yards (9.3 yards per attempt), 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 2013 Florida State team was among the most dominant in college football history, but in 2014 it has often been the Jameis Winston Show. And every new installment always ends the same.

IN THE END, FSU WINS

There is no other way to say this than FSU is better than Louisville. Jameis Winston will be able to pick apart the Cardinals defense and FSU will use more of the running game with Dalvin Cook. This is a game that should be over by the third quarter.

FSU 41 LOUISVILLE 20

The last time FSU and Louisville met, it was a Thursday night. The Seminoles traveled to Louisville and the Cardinals won the contest, having a direct bearing on FSU and its national title hopes.

That was 12 years ago. Certainly, a lot has changed in that time period, but the importance of the game is just as great. FSU is fighting for a berth in the national title playoff.

Louisville has been hot and cold in its first season in the ACC and is looking to play spoiler. Can the ‘Noles avoid the bite of playing to a national crowd on ESPN and come through with a huge win on the road? This should be the Seminoles toughest challenge of the remaining schedule.

Here are five things to know.

THE CARDINALS DEFENSE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE

The Cardinals have probably the nation’s top defense. Just look at the numbers: No. 1 in total defense (245.8 ypg), No. 1 in raw and adjusted Total QBR (12.5/14.7), No. 1 against the run (2.31 ypc), No. 1 in first downs (13 pg) and No. 1 in red zone efficiency (30 percent).

They are also No. 2 in yards per play (3.91), No. 2 in third-down conversion rate (24 percent), No. 4 in scoring average (14.6) and No. 5 in sacks (28). Lorenzo Mauldin (six sacks) and Sheldon Rankins (five) are among the ACC’s sack leaders. Three other Louisville players have at least three sacks. Gerod Holliman is tied for the nation’s lead in interceptions (eight).

This defense is flat-out lethal, and moving the ball against Louisville will be no easy chore for Jameis Winston & Co.

FSU WILL SCORE IN BUNCHES

Louisville has the conference’s best defense and very well might have the best unit in the country. This is probably the best defense the Seminoles will face before the playoff. That doesn’t mean the Cardinals will be able to stop them, though.

Winston has never been held to below 30 points, and the Seminoles should make a run at 30 again at Louisville. Although the offense has looked out of sync at times, the passing offense has been able to pick up yards in chunks and make the big plays when needed. The rushing attack can be best described as anemic, but it can push the ball into the end zone near the goal line. If Louisville is going to win, history suggests it will need to score in the 30s.

THE DISADVANTAGED CARDINALS OFFENSE

At least not without the help of an opportunistic defense that can give the Cards’ offense short fields with which to work. Gardner has been reinserted into the starting lineup, but the sophomore quarterback has taken his lumps this season. He is completing only 57 percent of his passes, and, while he’s thrown 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions, he’s had turnover issues.

That’s thanks in large part to an offensive line that can’t protect its quarterback. Both teams are among the best in the country at scoring touchdowns in the red zone, but both are among the best at preventing teams from doing the same.

WINSTON ROLLS

Even though it looks now like Winston could've lost four of his last seven games, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has pulled out the win each time. Until a team actually beats him, it’s not a smart move betting against him. He made all the right plays in the national championship, had a remarkable touchdown run and throw against Oklahoma State, and operated second-half comebacks against NC State and Notre Dame.

When tied or trailing, Winston is 144-of-199 passing (72 percent) for 1,860 yards (9.3 yards per attempt), 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 2013 Florida State team was among the most dominant in college football history, but in 2014 it has often been the Jameis Winston Show. And every new installment always ends the same.

IN THE END, FSU WINS

There is no other way to say this than FSU is better than Louisville. Jameis Winston will be able to pick apart the Cardinals defense and FSU will use more of the running game with Dalvin Cook. This is a game that should be over by the third quarter.

FSU 41 LOUISVILLE 20