FSU vs. Louisville: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

The Florida State Seminoles were fortunate enough to have a bye week directly after their Week 8 contest against Notre Dame came down to the wire. The nation's No. 2 team is back in action on Thursday, but winning on the road against a strong Louisville team will be no easy task.

While the Cardinals may not have the poise of Teddy Bridgewater at the quarterback position again this season, the team's defense has stepped up in a big way, allowing just 14.6 points per game. In fact, Louisville hasn't given up more than 23 points in a single contest this season.

This clash of ACC foes pits strength against strength. Can Heisman-winning quarterback Jameis Winston lead the Seminoles to an 8-0 record, or will a sound Cardinals defense play spoiler to Florida State's College Football Playoff bid?

Both of these teams are already bowl-eligible, but that's only half of the story. This game is just as much about pride within the conference.

Battle of Strengths

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

There's no question the Seminoles have one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. This team has scored over 30 points in six of its seven contests this season—including a 31-point performance against a very stout Fighting Irish defense.

While Winston may not be quite up to Heisman form in 2014, he's remained very efficient. Against Notre Dame, he completed 23 of his 31 passing attempts for 273 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Winston's interception rate may be up this season, but so is his resilience.

The Seminoles didn't hold a lead through three-and-a-half quarters against Notre Dame, yet Winston only appeared to get better as the game went on. He led a convincing 10-play, 75-yard drive in the fourth quarter resulting in a Karlos Williams touchdown run and a lead the team wouldn't relinquish.

Winston won't have it any easier on Thursday.

The Cardinals' fourth-ranked defense has been lights-out this season. Before the team's bye week, it faced a dangerous North Carolina State offense that gave the Seminoles fits earlier in the season. Well, that wasn't quite the case against Louisville.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett was held in check, completing 18 of his 32 passing attempts for 223 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He didn't do too much damage on the ground, either, as it took the Wolfpack a good chunk of carries to rack up any kind of yardage:

Player	Rush	Avg	Yds	TD
Shadrach Thornton	13	54	4.2	0
Jacoby Brissett	11	40	3.6	0
Matt Dayes	7	34	4.9	0

Florida State only averaged 1.9 yards per carry against Notre Dame, putting the game completely on the arm of Jameis Winston. Expect that to be the case once again on Thursday.

Aerial Prowess

Garry Jones/Associated Press

This game could come down to one big play for either of these teams—and they both have wide receivers capable of hitting a home run whenever they touch the ball.

Rashad Greene is arguably the best wide receiver in the nation right now. He shows up each and every game, showcasing his route-running ability, soft hands, vision, elusiveness and speed. He's an all-around wide receiver and playmaker, and that showed up against Notre Dame.

Against the Fighting Irish, Greene racked up eight passes for 108 yards, averaging 13.5 yards per catch, one touchdown and a long reception of 33 yards. Those were all team highs, and that's nothing new for Greene.

Here's a look at the NFL prospect's numbers this season:

GP	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD
7	52	791	15.2	74	4

Louisville's DeVante Parker is just as dangerous. While he missed most of the season due to injury, he didn't take long to prove why he's one of the nation's best. North Carolina State didn't have an answer for Parker in his first game back in action. He caught nine receptions for 132 yards, averaging 14.7 yards per catch, and a long of 37 yards.

This 6'3" senior pass-catcher appears to have a very bright future in the NFL as well.

Expect both of these receivers to go head-to-head on Thursday, as one will likely be given a chance to make a big enough play to turn the tide of the game.

When: Thursday, October 30

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Where: Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky

Channel: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Betting Line (via Odds Shark): Florida State -5

Team Injury Reports

Player	Pos.	Date	Status	Injury
Austin Barron	C	10/06/2014	Out	arm
Demarcus Christmas	DT	10/26/2014	Questionable	ankle
Isaiah Jones	WR	08/16/2014	Out	academics
Nile Lawrence-Stample	DT	09/24/2014	Out	pectoral
Sean Maguire	QB	10/26/2014	Questionable	hand
Trey Marshall	DB	10/26/2014	Questionable	concussion
Mario Pender	RB	10/26/2014	Questionable	ankle
Delvin Purifoy	LB	08/31/2014	Out	ankle

Player	Pos.	Date	Status	Injury
Corvin Lamb	RB	10/16/2014	Out	knee
Jermaine Reve	S	08/04/2014	Out	knee

Injury reports per The Sports Network, via USA Today.

Prediction

This one will be far closer than many would anticipate. While Florida State does boast a prolific offense, the Cardinals have the defensive personnel to match up nicely. Louisville's ability to take away the run will put a larger amount of pressure on Winston to perform on the road.

The Cardinals haven't had the most high-octane offense this season, but the return of Parker did wonders for the team's ability to move the ball down the field. The Seminoles defense has been gashed at times this year, and Parker has the vertical ability to exploit Florida State's secondary.

Expect this one to come down to the wire. While Louisville has home-field advantage, the Seminoles' resilient nature will once again help them emerge victorious thanks to another big scoring drive in the waning minutes of the contest.

Prediction: Florida State 24, Louisville 20