Petrino Previews Thursday Night Game Versus Florida State
October 27, 2014 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky.- The 2014 season has been one of new experiences for the University of Louisville football program. In addition to making its debut as the newest member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Cardinals have been given the opportunity to compete against the some of the nation's most storied football programs.
Thus far this season, the Cards welcomed Miami on Labor Day night, which was the biggest night in school history.
However, the Cardinals will get another chance at hosting a big event when the No. 2 Florida State Seminoles visit Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on ESPN's Thursday Night telecast.
Making no attempt to sidestep the importance of the game, the team understands what's at stake when the defending national champion Seminoles come to town on Oct. 30.
The Cardinals, who since the beginning of the 2012 season have compiled a composite 29-5 record, notched a BCS win over Florida in the 2013 Allstate Sugar Bowl, and pulled off the school's second 12-win season in 2013, are still searching for their place among the nation's elite.
A win in this game, according to head coach Bobby Petrino, could take the team exactly where they want to go.
"These are the games we want to play in and compete in," Petrino said when addressing the media after Monday evening's practice. "We'd like to be in the top rankings and have the No. 1 team come in here and play us. That's where we're aspiring to go. So we'll look at our program and get one step closer to where we want to get to."
For the Cards, the Seminoles present a two-headed monster that the team must strategically attack, starting the Florida State defense. The group was historically dominant a season ago, allowing a nation's best 12.1 points per game and boasting a No. 2 ranking in total defense. They've been solid once again this season, allowing opponents 21.6 points and 374.4 yards per game.
"They're very physical up front," Petrino said of the Florida State defense. "They've got big guys inside and they do a good job in their secondary with their coverage. They don't do a lot but they do it real well. On third down, they do a lot. The biggest thing for us is to be able to execute and be able to convert third downs. If we're doing that, I feel like we'll have some success."
As for the Florida State offense, the Cardinals are left to deal with the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner in quarterback Jameis Winston and an all-time FSU great in wide receiver Rashad Greene.
Through seven games, Winston has put together a solid encore to his legendary 2013 campaign. Missing one game due to suspension, Winston has thrown for 1,878 yards and 13 touchdowns while completing over 70 percent of his passes, which has helped the Seminoles put together an ACC-leading 316.7 passing yards per game.
Greene has been equally impressive, catching 52 passes for 791 yards and four scores. Greene, who has lead Florida State in receiving each of the last three seasons, has compiled five 100-yard outings this season.
Preparing for Florida State's offensive firepower is an obvious challenge; one that the Cardinals have taken very seriously over the course of their preparation.
"You've got to be able to play one play at a time," Petrino said when asked how the defense plans to contain the likes of Winston and Greene.
"The whole team does. We have to understand that when you're in games like this, the momentum swings back and forth. They've got great players, they're going to make plays. We're going to make plays. The most important play is the next one. (It's important) to be able to focus and to be able to concentrate on doing your job on the next play."
Execution and strategy aside, Thursday night provides the team's players with an opportunity that only 12 other teams will get this season: a chance to take on the defending national champion.
"(The players) all understand what the stakes are," Petrino said. "But what I really want them to do is enjoy it. Enjoy the experience of having the No. 2 team in the country coming in here. How you go through preparing for it. How you get ready. Just enjoy the whole experience."
