On Saturday at 730 p.m. on NBC, FSU will be in South Bend, Indiana to play the 10th ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The Fighting Irish are 7-1 this year with wins against Texas A&M, Purdue, Miami (OH), Louisville, Stanford, Georgia Tech and Navy and a loss to Northern Illinois.
FSU is 6-5 versus Notre Dame all time. The Irish won the last meeting in overtime in 2021. The last time the Seminoles won was in 2014. FSU prevailed, 31-27, after an offensive pass interference call on Notre Dame took their game winning touchdown off the board.
Observations from the last game
The ‘Noles couldn’t run the ball (again), gaining only 42 yards. The interior of the offensive line got pushed around all game and even gave up 7 sacks. This made it tough for the pass game to get going which resulted in just 11 points. The offense now ranks last in the FBS in touchdowns per game. FSU couldn’t stop the run either. Carolina running back Omarion Hampton gained 172 yards rushing and scored 5 total touchdowns.
Florida State offense versus Notre Dame defense
The Seminoles will have to take care of the ball against an Irish defense that is 5th in the FBS in takeaways per game at 2.3. The do-it-all ball hawk safety Xavier Watts is big reason for the turnovers as he has 3 interception and a forced fumble to go with his 31 tackles. Other players to watch are linebacker Jack Kiser, defensive lineman Rylie Mills and safety Adon Shuler. The offensive line must get better quickly to give the quarterbacks time to make a good decision with the football. Staying out of 3rd and long situations would be a big help as well.
Florida State defense versus Notre Dame offense
The Notre Dame wants to establish the run then take some shots down field using play action. It’s a great formula considering they have a big and talented offensive line and 3 guys that average at least 6 yards per carry.
Quarterback Riley Leonard (11 rushing TDs) and running backs Jeremiyah Love (564 yards rushing and 10 total TDs) and Jadarian Price (6.4 yards per carry) form the 3 headed monster that makes the offense go. After last weekend, it’s hard to see how FSU can slow down this attack. The ‘Noles will need big games from the front 7 to have a chance at getting stops. Better tackling from the secondary is going to be needed as well. When Leonard decides to throw, he’ll be looking for receivers Beaux Collins and Jaden Greathouse.
Special Teams
FSU has better kickers, but the Fighting Irish have the edge in the return game.
Prediction
Florida State has been making mistakes all season and will continue that trend against a steady Notre Dame team.
Florida State 9 Notre Dame 42.
FSU Preview: Florida State at Notre Dame added by Scott Carswell Jr on
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