Petrino: Bye week perfect before U of L-FSU

An idle weekend for Louisville football is just what the doctor prescribed, coach Bobby Petrino said Wednesday morning.

After eight consecutive weeks with a game, including a season-opening stretch of three contests in 12 days, the Cardinals had an extra few days off after beating NC State 30-18 on Saturday.

They restart practice on Wednesday to prepare for next Thursday night's primetime game against undefeated Florida State, the No. 2 team in the country and reigning national champion.

"This is a good time for us because we haven't had any byes," Petrino said. "The benefit is having some time to work on your game plan and do a couple things in recruiting and just be able to use that extra time."

The players, Petrino said, got away from the football facility for a few days to get healthy, clear their minds and refocus before their biggest home game of the season.

Linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (hamstring) and receiver James Quick (ankle) both left Saturday's game and did not return. Mauldin told reporters afterward that he would be fine, and Quick's twisted ankle was not considered serious.

Star receiver DeVante Parker, who caught nine passes for 132 yards in his season debut, was sore after Saturday's game but bounced back the next day with limited pain, Petrino said. He had missed the first seven weeks of the campaign while recovering from foot surgery.

They're each expected to play against FSU.

"We're encouraged by where they're at," Petrino said, "and all indications are that hopefully they'll be ready for the game.

Petrino said the Thursday night game, which will be broadcast on ESPN, is good for multiple reasons, beyond the preceding idle weekend to get his team healthier.

It's a major recruiting tool for the Cardinals, playing the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and arguably college football's premier program on national television.

Louisville will show off new grey Adidas uniforms, and it'll host three prospects for official visits that night, according to 247Sports.com. U of L basketball is using next week's game as its own recruiting tool, with blue-chip guard PJ Dozier scheduled to visit campus for the big night, too.

The game also gives Petrino and his staff more time to prepare.

"I've always enjoyed playing (Thursday games) because I think the recruits are watching the games on Thursday night," Petrino said. "Saturdays, a lot of times, they have their own things to do, whether they're playing or watching the video of their Friday night game. It's been good for the program."