Acc Championship Game 2023: Louiville vs Florida state
The Florida State and the Louisville Cardinals faced off in the ACC Championship game on December 3, 2023, in a defensive duel that saw both teams struggle to find offensive rhythm. The Seminoles’ defense, led by linebacker Jamari Smith and defensive end Derrick McLendon, stifled the Cardinals’ attack, holding them to just 20 yards of total offense. Florida State’s offense, however, couldn’t muster much of a threat either, with quarterback Jordan Travis struggling to connect with his receivers.
Florida State vs Louisville: A Defensive Standoff
The first quarter was a true defensive showcase, with neither team able to gain much traction offensively. The Florida state’s defense set the tone early, forcing a three-and-out on Louisville’s opening possession. Florida State’s offense then marched down the field, but their drive stalled inside the Cardinals’ red zone.
The Cardinals’ defense responded with a three-and-out of their own, and the teams traded punts for the rest of the quarter. The only notable offensive play came late in the quarter when Travis completed a 20-yard pass to Ontaevious McKoy, but the Florida state was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
Key Defensive Plays
The Florida state defense was the key to their success in the first quarter. They held the Cardinals to just 20 yards of total offense, including just 10 yards passing. McLendon and Smith were both disruptive forces, combining for five tackles and one for loss in the first 15 minutes of the game.
The Cardinals’ defense also played well, holding the Florida state to just 32 yards of total offense. However, they were unable to generate any pressure on Travis, and the Seminoles quarterback was able to complete 5 of his 6 passes in the first quarter.
A Low-Scoring Affair
The first quarter ended with the score tied at 0-0. It was a low-scoring affair, but both teams showed their defensive prowess. The Florida state defense looked particularly impressive, and they will need to continue to play at a high level if they want to win the game.
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Florida State vs Louisville: The Second Quarter Heats Up
The second quarter of the Florida State Seminoles vs. Louisville Cardinals ACC Championship game witnessed a shift in momentum as both offenses found their footing and the score finally broke the deadlock.
Florida State Breaks Through for First Points
The Florida state opened the second quarter with a renewed sense of urgency, determined to break through the defensive stalemate. They orchestrated a methodical drive that spanned over seven minutes, capped by a crucial fumble recovery deep in Louisville territory. Capitalizing on the turnover, Trey Benson, Florida State’s running back, powered through the Cardinals’ defense for a 1-yard touchdown, giving the Seminoles a much-needed 7-0 lead.
Louisville Responds with a Field Goal
Undeterred, the Louisville Cardinals responded with a drive of their own, determined to erase the Seminoles’ lead. Malik Cunningham, Louisville’s quarterback, led the charge, orchestrating a balanced offensive attack that moved the ball effectively downfield. However, the Seminoles’ defense stiffened inside the red zone, forcing the Cardinals to settle for a 22-yard field goal by Ryan Jones, narrowing the score to 7-3.
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Defensive Efforts Continue to Shine
Despite the offensive surge in the second quarter, both defenses remained steadfast, refusing to cede any further ground. The Seminoles’ defense, led by Jamari Smith and Derrick McLendon, continued to disrupt the Cardinals’ passing game, while Louisville’s defense countered by shutting down Florida State’s running game, limiting their ground attack to just 34 yards in the quarter.
Halftime Score: Florida State 7, Louisville 3
As the halftime whistle blew, the score remained 7-3 in favor of the Florida State Seminoles. The second quarter had been a more exciting affair, with both teams showing glimpses of their offensive potential. However, the defenses continued to dominate, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Key Takeaways from the Second Quarter
- The Florida state offense finally found its rhythm, capitalizing on a Louisville turnover for a touchdown.
- The Cardinals responded with a field goal, demonstrating their ability to move the ball.
- Both defenses continued to play at a high level, limiting the opposing offense’s effectiveness.
Florida State vs Louisville: A Defensive Duel in the Third Quarter
The third quarter of the Florida State Seminoles vs. Louisville Cardinals ACC Championship game continued to be a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. The Seminoles’ defense, led by linebacker Jamari Smith and defensive end Derrick McLendon, stifled the Cardinals’ attack, holding them to just 34 yards of total offense in the quarter. Florida State’s offense, however, couldn’t muster much of a threat either, with quarterback Jordan Travis struggling to connect with his receivers.
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Offensive Struggles Persist
The third quarter started with a Louisville drive that stalled inside Florida State territory. The Seminoles defense forced a punt, and Travis led his offense on a sustained drive that reached the Louisville 2-yard line. However, a costly interception by Travis gave the Cardinals the ball back at their own 13-yard line.
The Cardinals drove downfield again, but they were once again stopped by the Seminoles’ defense. This time, the Cardinals were forced to punt from their own 46-yard line. The Seminoles returned the punt to the Louisville 35-yard line, giving them their best field position of the quarter.
Florida State Capitalizes on Turnover
The Seminoles took advantage of their good fortune and quickly drove down the field. Travis completed a 15-yard pass to Ontaevious McKoy, and Benson followed it up with a 10-yard run. The Seminoles then capitalized on a Louisville pass interference penalty to move the ball to the Cardinals’ 1-yard line.
Benson punched it in for his second touchdown of the game, giving the Seminoles a 14-3 lead with just 2:48 left in the third quarter. The Seminoles’ defense then forced a Louisville punt to end the quarter.
Key Defensive Plays
The Seminoles’ defense was once again the star of the show in the third quarter. They held the Cardinals to just 34 yards of total offense, including just 16 yards passing. Smith and McLendon were both disruptive forces again, combining for six tackles and one for loss in the third quarter.
The Cardinals’ defense also played well, holding the Seminoles to just 74 yards of total offense. However, they were unable to generate any pressure on Travis, and the Seminoles quarterback was able to complete 5 of his 6 passes in the third quarter.
Score After Three Quarters: Florida State 14, Louisville 3
The Seminoles held a commanding 14-3 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Cardinals’ offense had been unable to get anything going, and the Seminoles’ defense looked like it was going to be too much for them to handle.
Florida State vs. Louisville: Fourth Quarter Drama Unfolds
The fourth quarter of the Florida State Seminoles vs. Louisville Cardinals ACC Championship game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams making big plays and the score hanging in the balance until the very end.
Louisville Threatens with Touchdown Drive
The Cardinals came out firing in the fourth quarter, determined to erase the Seminoles’ lead. Malik Cunningham, Louisville’s quarterback, led the charge, connecting with his receivers and moving the ball downfield with precision. The Cardinals capped off their impressive drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by Cunningham himself, cutting the Seminoles’ lead to 14-10 with 11:38 remaining in the game.
Florida State Strikes Back with a Touchdown of Their Own
The Seminoles weren’t about to let the Cardinals get back in the game without a fight. Jordan Travis, Florida State’s quarterback, responded with a drive of his own, leading his offense down the field with determination. The Seminoles capped off their drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Travis to Ontaevious McKoy, extending their lead to 21-10 with 7:14 remaining in the game.
Defensive Struggle Continues
The defenses of both teams continued to play at a high level in the fourth quarter, making it difficult for either offense to find a rhythm. The Seminoles’ defense forced a punt on the Cardinals’ next possession, giving the Seminoles the ball back with a chance to put the game away.
Louisville Makes a Late Push
The Cardinals refused to give up, and they mounted a late drive that threatened to tie the game. Cunningham led the charge again, completing passes and moving the ball downfield with urgency. However, the Seminoles’ defense stiffened inside the red zone, forcing the Cardinals to settle for a 28-yard field goal by Ryan Jones, cutting the Seminoles’ lead to 21-13 with 2:28 remaining in the game.
Florida State Runs Out the Clock
The Seminoles took over possession with a chance to run out the clock and secure the victory. They managed to convert a couple of first downs, and their defense forced a crucial fourth-down incompletion by Cunningham, sealing the Seminoles’ victory.
Final Score: Florida State 21, Louisville 13
The Florida State Seminoles emerged victorious in a thrilling 21-13 ACC Championship victory over the Louisville Cardinals. The Seminoles’ defense was the key to their victory, holding the Cardinals to just 213 yards of total offense. Travis also played a solid game for the Seminoles, completing 19 of his 26 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown.
Key Takeaways from the Fourth Quarter
- The Cardinals made a late push, but the Seminoles’ defense held on for the victory.
- Travis played a solid game for the Seminoles, leading his offense to two touchdowns.
- The Seminoles’ defense was the key to their victory, holding the Cardinals to just 213 yards of total offense.
The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Louisville Cardinals 21-13 in the ACC Championship game on December 3rd, 2023. The Seminoles’ defense was the key to their victory, holding the Cardinals to just 213 yards of total offense. Travis also played a solid game for the Seminoles, completing 19 of his 26 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown.
Conclusion: A Defensive Masterpiece and a Championship Celebration
The Florida State Seminoles’ victory over the Louisville Cardinals in the ACC Championship game was a defensive masterpiece. The Seminoles’ defense was dominant throughout the game, holding the Cardinals to a mere 252 yards of total offense and forcing three turnovers.
The Seminoles’ victory was also a testament to their resilience and determination. They faced a tough Louisville team that never gave up, but Florida State’s defense stood tall, and their offense made the plays when it counted.
The Seminoles’ victory was a fitting end to a remarkable season. They finished the season undefeated, won the ACC Championship, and solidified their position as one of the top teams in college football. The future is bright for the Florida State Seminoles, and they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.