It was a day to forget for Florida State's punt unit, but that didn't stop the Seminoles from coming away with an undefeated season.
They didn't sack the quarterback, nor did they block a punt. Rather, Louisville's special teams delivered an innovative play, sparking the Cardinals by sacking Florida State punter Alex Mastromanno on 4th and 8 deep inside Florida State territory. While that suggests that the Seminoles were faking the punt, they certainly were not. However, the Cardinals sent the house and just overwhelmed Florida State's punt protection unit. Mastromanno had barely begun his punting motion when he was crushed by the onslaught of Louisville defenders.
THEY SMOTHERED THE PUNTER!!! pic.twitter.com/asSTFko87F
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) December 3, 2023
It was part of a busy, but not particularly successful, night for Mastromanno. He also delivered punts of 37, 38 and 28 yards amidst a night that featured nine Florida State punts. Toss in a missed field goal, and it was a true special teams disaster for the Seminoles on Saturday night. Those three shanked punts culminated in the punter sack, which gave Louisville the ball in the red zone, down just 10-6.
However, as was the storyline throughout the night, the Cardinals simply couldn't punish a horrific special teams effort by Florida State. On that golden opportunity, Louisville gained one yard on two plays, and then quarterback Jack Plummer, a sixth-year quarterback playing for his third collegiate team, tossed an ugly end zone interception.
What a play by @tatumx15 !!!#NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/iygYIKHFni
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) December 3, 2023
Louisville had three drives start at their 40 or better, including this big-time chance, and they turned it into just three points, failing to gain a first down on two of those three opportunities. Their special teams didn't do much to help out either, with Lousiville delivering four punts of under 40 yards. Between a putrid offensive effort and a middling punting effort of their own, Louisville simply couldn't take advantage of Florida State's special teams disaster on Saturday night, and the Cardinals ended their season 10-3 with two straight losses.
Florida State finished 13-0 and awaits their fate in the College Football Playoff, which will be announced on Sunday.
