The Wolfpack are 5-5 on the season with wins over East Carolina, Virginia, Wake Forest, Campbell and Georgia Tech and losses to Duke, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and Miami.

FSU is 26-16 all time versus NC State but has lost 3 straight. The ‘Noles last win in the series was in 2019.

Observations from the last game

The offense started slow once again but the defense played well enough to keep the team in the game. The ‘Noles used their rushing attack to control the game and eventually hit some big pass plays to break the game open. FSU played with energy and focus that resulted in only a few mistakes, 0 turnovers and only 1 penalty.

Duce Robinson had another big game with 6 catches, 134 yards and a touchdown.

Mandrell and Darryl Desir and Darrell Jackson harassed the quarterback most of the game. The improved pass rush has been a big help for the defense the last few games.

Florida State offense versus NC State defense

As usual FSU will try to establish the run, and they should be able to against the 54^th ranked defense versus the run. Running backs Ousmane Kromah and the emerging Sam Singleton and QB Thomas Castellanos are going to get plenty of carries.

If the running game has any problem, they’ll look to Castellanos who could set another career mark in passing yards against a Wolfpack defense that is dead last in the country (FBS) in yards given up through the air with 320 per game. Once the safeties come down to help with the run it might be a good day for the Seminole offense.

Key players for the NC State defense are linebackers Caden Fordham, who has 103 tackles (9^th in the nation), Kenny Soares and Cian Stone.

Florida State defense versus NC State offense

The Wolfpack offense is led by quarterback CJ Bailey, who has 2,500 yards passing and 24 total touchdowns. He can make mistakes with 9 interceptions and 15 sacks taken. The main playmaker on the offense is running back Hollywood Smothers. Smothers has 823 yards rushing, 30 catches to go with 7 total touchdowns. Other pass catchers that Bailey likes are receivers Terrell Anderson and Noah Rogers to go with tight end Justin Joly.

I think the ‘Noles will slow down Smothers and the run game leading to a few 3^rd and long situations. This should force the quarterback to make the play with arm or his feet. I think FSU makes enough plans on 3^rd down to help win the game.

Special Teams

Even

Prediction

FSU has played deflated on the road leading to bad performances and NC State has some big wins at home this season. But I think FSU plays with more urgency and it’s just enough as FSU wins to become bowl eligible.

Florida State 34 NC State 31

Clemson is a surprising 3-5 this season with wins against Troy, North Carolina and Boston College and losses to LSU, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, SMU and Duke.

FSU is 21-16 versus Clemson all time. The last time FSU beat the Tigers was in 2023. The ‘Noles won 31-24 in overtime.

Observations from the last game

The offense got off to a slow start, but the defense played well enough to let the offense find its footing late in the first quarter with a big play from ACC offensive player of the week, Duce Robinson. Robinson had 5 catches for 148 yards and a touchdown.

The ‘Noles showed more discipline with zero turnovers and only 3 penalties to go along with more attention to detail and energy. The was a huge difference from the Stanford game.

Florida State offense versus Clemson defense

The ‘Noles will have to rely on quarterback Tommy Castellanos’ arm in this one as the Clemson defense has been good against the run but towards the bottom of the ACC versus the pass. Castellanos had his best passing of his career with 271 yards. Most of these yards were to Duce Robinson. The Clemson front 7 has made plenty of plays but when they’re unable to get it done, the secondary lets them down.

Players to watch for are defensive linemen Peter Woods and Will Heldt (4 sacks) and linebackers Sammy Brown (leads the team with 58 tackles) and Wade Woodaz. Interesting matchups on this side of the ball are Woods against center Luke Petitbon and the Clemson linebackers up against tight end Randy Pittman and the backs catching the ball out of the backfield.

Florida State defense versus Clemson offense

Quarterback Cade Klubnik was supposed to be a Heisman contender, but it has been a down year. He has thrown for 1,900 yards and 13 touchdowns.  This is peculiar with all the playmakers he has around him and an offensive line that has allowed him to only get sacked 8 times.

The player that Clemson likes to get the ball to is running back Adam Randall who has 522 yards rushing, 25 catches and 9 total touchdowns. Receivers that Klubnik likes are Bryant Wesco and Antonio Williams. I think the Florida State defense is going to slow Randall, but the biggest problem will be trying to keep Klubnik from extending drives with his scrambling.

Special Teams

This phase of the game has been shaky for both teams but with Squirrel White back returning punts I give FSU the advantage here.

Prediction

It’s hard to predict this game with both teams having lots of talent that has underwhelmed or has been inconsistent. Clemson is at home and needs to win to have a shot at a bowl game. I think it’ll be a close game, and the Tigers pull it out.

Florida State 28 Clemson 31

Wake Forest is 5-2 this season with wins against Kennesaw State, Western Carolina, Virginia Tech, Oregon State and SMU and losses to NC State and Georgia Tech.

FSU is 31-9-1 against Wake all-time. The last time the two programs played was in 2023, the ‘Noles won 41-16.

Observations from the last game

The offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn kept calling for inside runs at the best part of Stanford’s defense in the first half. Using the speed of FSU’s would have likely spread-out the defense and provided better 2^nd and 3^rd down situations.

The defense played well except for a few pre-snap penalties.

Back up Kevin Sperry struggled for a couple plays but almost led the comeback once he got his feet under him.

Florida State offense versus Wake Forest defense

The status of quarterback Tommy Castellanos is still up in the air (concussion) and if he is unable to play true freshman Kevin Sperry will take his place. No matter who’s under center for FSU I think they will try to get the run game going and work off of that. The Wake Forest defense has been good against the pass this year (18^th in FBS in passing yards against), making establishing the run that much more important.

With that in mind, I expect Gavin Sawchuk and others to get lots of carries on early downs. If the backs get some yards on 1^st and 2^nd it will make 3^rd down more manageable.

Players to watch for on the Wake defense are defensive backs Nick Andersen (leads the team with 58 tackles) and Devaughn Patterson (45 tackles and 7 passes defended). Wake Forest’s leader in sacks is Langston Hardy with 4.5.

Florida State defense versus Wake Forest offense

The Deacons have been trying to figure out their quarterback situation for a couple weeks. The QBs in question are Robby Ashford (1,205 passing yards) and Deshawn Purdie (5 touchdown passes). I think first year coach Jake Dickert is going to start Ashford due to his ability as a runner and see how it goes. Ashford is second on the team in rushing behind running back Demond Claiborne (612 yards rushing,17 catches and 8 touchdowns).

When they throw the ball Wake likes to target receivers Chris Barnes (476 yards receiving) and Sterling Berkhalter (283 yards receiving). The linebackers, Justin Cryer, Blake Nichelson and Elijah Herring, need to slow down the QB scrambles and watch out for Claiborne catching balls and of the backfield.

Special Teams

Both teams’ special teams groups have been shaky.

Prediction

If the FSU defense plays like it did in the Stanford and the offense plays like it did during the first 6 games the ‘Noles should win by a couple scores. I think the hometown team is a bit more consistent and gets the close W.

Florida State 24 Wake Forest 23

Standard is 2-4 on the season with wins over Boston College and San Jose State and losses to Hawaii, BYU, Virginia and SMU.

This will be the first matchup between the two programs. The last time FSU traveled to the Bay Area was for the Emerald Bowl against UCLA in 2006. The ‘Noles won, 44-27.

Observations from the last game

The defense could not win 3^rd down the whole game. Getting pressure on the quarterback continues to be the biggest issue and when they did, they were out of their rush lanes allowing the quarterback to scramble for the first down.

The offense became too predictable in second half with Duce Robinson on the bench. Pittsburgh moved their safety closer to the line of scrimmage knowing that FSU wouldn’t test them down the field. The ‘Noles eventually hit a deep pass which makes you wonder why they didn’t try earlier in the half.

Florida State offense versus Stanford defense

FSU wants to establish the run, but Stanford has done a good job of stopping it the season. However, the Cardinal have been abysmal against me pass (132 in passing yards allowed). If Florida State can get some receivers back from injury, it’ll give tommy Castellanos a chance to force the safeties to respect the pass making it easier in the run game. If not, we’ll see more short passes and screens to the tight ends.

Stanford most likely will have linebacker Matt Rose (47 tackles) paying close attention to tight end Randy Pittman when FSU decides to pass. The Cardinal have done a decent job of getting pressure on the quarterback with defensive end Clay Patterson (3 sacks) leading the way.

Florida State defense versus Stanford offense

The balanced Stanford offense should be an easier opponent for the defense. The Cardinal like to run the ball with Micah Ford (400 yards rushing) but haven’t been able to as much with them trailing in most games. The Seminoles have done a good job slowing down running backs this year.

Stopping the QB run as been the problem. So, it’s good news they’ll be facing a pocket passer. When passing the ball Stanford QB, Ben Gulbranson, faces constant pressure and has thrown 4 interceptions to go with 20 sacks (124 worst in the FBS). Gulbranson’s favorite target is CJ Williams, who has 35 catches for 404 yards. The Desir brothers and the other defensive ends should have big games against a struggling offensive line.

Special Teams

Slight advantage to Florida State

Prediction

Stanford’s running /possession style of offense coupled with the QB not being able to escape the pocket very well will make it easier for FSU to get enough stops. The ‘Noles should break a few runs and hit Micahi Danzy for some big plays against a poor pass defense.

Florida State 31 Stanford 23

Pittsburgh is 3-2 this season with wins over Duquesne, Central Michigan and Boston College and losses to West Virginia and Louisville.

Florida State is 5-6 all-time versus Pittsburgh. The last time these two played was in 2023. FSU got the victory, 24-7.

Observations from the last game

With a 28-3 deficit, the ‘Noles were only being outgained by around 80 yards but 3 turnovers at critical times of the game cost FSU their chance to win. After right tackle Micah Pettus went out with an injury Florida State couldn’t get much on 1st and 2nd down forcing them into some panicky plays on 3rd down. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos played like he was trying too hard to make a play in the first 3 quarters but stayed within the offense in the 4^th. The defense played decent considering they had a tough time generating a pass rush and were put in bad field position situations.

Florida State offense versus Pittsburgh defense

The FSU offense will face another physical defense that is 4^th in the FBS against the run. The Panthers front 7 has been great this season due to their talented defensive line, led by Sean Fitzsimmons and Zach Crothers, and by a group of playmaking linebackers. Linebacker Rasheem Biles, who has 44 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, is one of those playmakers. Castellanos needs to connect with his receivers down the field to keep the safeties back. This should open the run game that the ‘Noles have been so dependent on.

Florida State defense versus Pittsburgh offense

Pittsburgh struggled on offense in the first 4 games which prompted them to go with freshman Mason Heintschel to as the starter against BC. What a difference it was as Heintschel passed for 323 yards and led the Panthers to a 48-7 victory. Receiver Kenny Johnson had 9 catches bringing his season total to 21.

Cornerback Jerry Wilson will need to play better to help slow down Pitt’s newfound passing attack. The running game for Pittsburgh has been at issue, and they have given up 11 sacks. With this in mind the FSU defensive front should have better results. If the ‘Noles defense can’t put pressure on the quarterback, it could be another big day for the opposing offense. Once again, the defensive front is looking for somebody to step up and help Darrell Jackson get pressure on the passer. We’ll see if the freshman linemen Darryll Desir, Mandrell Desir and Kevin Wynn can build off their last performance.

Special Teams

Advantage: Slight lean-to Pittsburgh

Prediction

The inconsistencies on both sides of the ball (and turnovers) have cost Florida State the last two games and I think some of those problems sneak into this game. Pittsburgh run defense is going to slow down the running backs forcing Castellanos to win the game. He does just enough.

Florida State 28 Pittsburgh 24

Miami is #3 in the AP poll and is 4-0. The four wins came against Notre Dame, Bethune-Cookman, South Florida and Florida.

Observations from the last game

After an agonizing loss it feels like the season is over but with the 12-team playoff everything FSU wants to achieve is still within reach. The defense wasn’t ready for the up-tempo offense, and it showed when they got tired in the second half. When UVA caught the defense with 3 down linemen on the field, they ran the ball until FSU could substitute. I think defensive coordinator Tony White should use 4 down linemen more frequently (especially against Miami offensive line). When the defensive line got a push the linebackers and secondary had a tough time making the tackles.

Florida State offense versus Miami defense

Miami has improved their defense immensely since last season under the direction of new defensive coordinator Randy Heatherman (9^th in FBS in yards against). The best player for UM on defense is defensive end Rueben Bain (2 forced turnovers, 2 sacks and leads team in tackles) who is a force against the run and the pass. Other players Miami relies on are d-lineman Ahkeem Mesidor, linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and corner OJ Frederique.

The Florida State spread rushing attack is something UM hasn’t seen yet, and it’ll take time to adjust, which means the Seminole need to get out of the gates fast. Keeping Bain and Mesidor thinking about outside runs from Tommy Castellanos, Jaylin Lucas and others is something the ‘Noles need to establish. This should stop them from jumping inside to stop Roydell Williams, Gavin Sawchuk and Ousmane Kromah. FSU is counting on big games from the interior linemen to free up some running lanes in the trenches.

Florida State defense versus Miami offense

The FSU defense will be tested against the talented and experienced Miami offensive line led by right tackle Francis Mauigoa and center James Brockermeyer. Quarterback Carson Beck (972 passing yards, 7 TDs and 3 INTs) is the main benefactor of the great o-line. The statistics overall don’t look great for the offense, but they have faced 3 good defenses.

Darrell Jackson must have a great game to slow down the Hurricane offense. If Jackson can be disruptive in the middle, then the young defensive ends and linebackers need to set the edge and make tackles. I expect the ‘Noles defense to play better for a few reasons: home game, extra day of rest, facing a slower tempo offense and a less mobile QB.

Prediction                                                                                                             

Miami’s offensive line against FSU’s young defensive line that lacks a great amount of depth is where UM has an advantage. Everywhere else on the field is close to even. I think the ‘Noles get a couple breaks and clean up the mistakes to give Jake Weinberg the shot at the game winning field goal. The freshman converts.

Florida State 37 Miami 34

The Cavaliers are 3-1 on the season with wins against Coastal Carolina, William & Mary, and Stanford with a loss NC State. FSU is 14-4 versus Virginia all-time. The last Florida State win in Charlottesville in the series was in 2010.

Observations from the last game

The ‘Noles piled up 8 rushing touchdowns on Saturday (FSU had 8 all last season).

The defense played well once again except for the one blown coverage.

Florida State offense versus Virginia defense

The ‘Noles offense has been tremendous to start the season (3rd in yards per play, and 2^nd in yards per game). The rushing attack has been the spark, 3^rd in yards per rush (7.1). With so much success in the run game Thomas Castellanos has been able to connect on some big pass plays via the play action.

Virginia will be locked in on stopping the run and with that in mind Castellanos needs to continue to hit on the long pass plays. This should be easier with the emergence of Micahi Danzy and the return of Randy Pittman and Squirrel White. UVA defense is ranked 39^th in yards allowed and is slightly better against the run than they are the pass. Players to watch out for are linebackers Mitchell Melton (3.5 tackles for loss), Kam Robinson and Landon Danley (20 tackles).

Florida State defense versus Virginia offense

The explosive UVA offense (11^th in FBS in yards per game) is led by quarterback Chandler Morris. Morris has 1,050 yards passing to go with 9 TDs and 1 interception. Morris ha 3 receivers he likes to throw to, Trell Harris (3 touchdowns), Cam Ross (19 catches) and Jahmal Edrine. The biggest reason for the success of the offense is the experience of the offensive line that consists of four graduate players and one senior. The O-Line has only given up 1 sack this season.

UVA likes it run with J’Mari Taylor and the QB and expect FSU to be ready for it. The defensive tackles need to keep stopping up the middle runs and let the ends like James Williams and Jayson Jenkins set the edge. If they can do that linebackers Elijah Herring and Justin Cryer need to continue their solid tackling. When Virginia decides to throw, keeping Morris from scrambling around to give his receivers time to get open will be top priority for Florida State.

Special Teams

Jaylin Lucas is starting to look shaky, so I expect Squirrel White to get another look at punt returner when he’s healthy. UVA’s kick returner Cam Ross has a kick return for a TD and is averaging 11 yards per punt return. The kicking matchup looks to be even. Advantage: UVA

Prediction

FSU will continue its dominance in the run game with running back Gavin Shawchuk leading the way and get enough stops on defense to get a road victory.

Florida State 38 Virginia 26

Kent State is 1-2 on the season with a win over Merrimack and losses to Texas Tech and Buffalo.

Observations and stats from the last game

It takes triple the amount of time getting to the game then it did in 2023 (before they took out 13,000 seats). I don’t know what the new procedure is, but they need to go back to the old one. 

The ‘Noles offense went crazy scoring a touchdown on their first 10 possessions. Tommy Castellanos seems to have control of the offense, and it was evident after leading 6 TD drives, which included 3 touchdown passes. Duce Robinson had an FSU record breaking performance with 160 yards receiving in just the first quarter. Running back Gavin Sawchuk had a huge first half as well with 3 touchdowns. 77 points is the second most points in a game in program history. The 74-point differential is the biggest margin in school history.

Two-way player Amaree Williams had a receiving TD and a half a sack.

The defense was incredible and relentless in the first half giving up only 60 yards and getting 2 turnovers. The backups had a solid showing as well.

My only nitpicking gripe was that the goal line offense sputtered a few times.

Florida State offense versus Kent State defense

The FSU should get the run game going with Sawchuk and the other backs behind offensive linemen Adrian Medley, Luke Petitbon and Richie Leonard. When that gets going the ‘Noles can hit the Flashes with the play action with some passes to Duce Robinson, Jayvan Boggs, Micahi Danzy and maybe Squirrel White.

The offense, led by Castellanos, will have another huge day against a defense that gives up 37 points per game (125 out of 136 in the FBS). Players to watch for the Kent State defense are defensive end Jamond Mathis and cornerback Jaire Rawlison (19 tackles in ’25).

Florida State defense versus Kent State offense

The Golden Flashes offense was second to last in rushing yards per game in the FBS last season and those struggles have carried over into 2025. (105^th in rushing yards per game.) Daniel Lyons, the Desir brothers and the other defensive lineman should have big games against the run with Darrell Jackson clogging up the middle.

Since the running game has been almost nonexistent Kent State has been relying on the quarterback to make plays. The quarterback is Dru DeShields, who has 513 yards passing, 6 total touchdowns and 0 interceptions this season. Freshman running back/receiver Cade Wolford has a knack for the big play with 32 yards per catch and 4 touchdowns.

Special Teams

The Seminoles have a huge advantage in this phase of the game.

Prediction

The Seminoles will continue their dominance against an outmatched Kent State squad. I believe FSU will establish the run and then hit them with the play action pass.

Florida State 63 Kent State 7

The Lions are 0-1 with a 45-13 loss to SMU.

Observations from the last game

Both sides of the ball were disciplined, relentless and physical the whole game. The defense was fast after getting their feet wet with the new scheme. The rotation of defensive linemen played better than expected and accumulated 7 tackles for loss and hurried the QB all game. Defensive coordinator Tony White’s scheme is designed to give quarterbacks a lot to think about and had the Alabama QB, Ty Simpson, guessing most of the contest forcing him into a few mistakes.

Safety Earl Little played like his hair was on fire racking up 9 tackles against his old team.

The revamped offensive line, led by center Luke Petitbon, played great and helped the offense gather up 230 yards on the ground.

Micahi Danzy (shoutout to Florida High) with his blazing speed provided two huge runs that really turned off the tide in the ‘Noles favor.

Injuries

Running back Roydell Williams will be out for a while. Tight and Randy Pittman is out this weekend and maybe a few more weeks after.

Florida State offense versus East Texas A&M defense  

I expect the ‘Noles to run the ball most of the time. The freshman O Kromah should get a big chunk of the carries. Getting him some game reps should be a priority to get him ready for the big games later in the season.

Tommy Castellanos needs to hit a couple deep balls to loosen up the defense. The Lions defense gave SMU a tough time in the first half but didn’t have the depth to keep up. Defensive players to look out for are Kyree Anderson (linebacker) and Cinque Williams (linebacker/safety).

Florida State defense versus East Texas A&M offense

The Lions might be without their quarterback, Ron Peace, for the second straight game. If he is out ET A&M will turn to Eric Rodriguez or Will Madonna. The backup QBs struggled mightily against SMU so getting Peace back would be a huge boost.

The main targets for the Lions offense are Christian Jordain and Devin Matthews. The ‘Noles shouldn’t have much of a problem slowing down East Texas A&M offense. Darrell Jackson and Daniel Lyons need to clog up the run game to allow the defensive ends to get after the QBs. James Williams, Deante McCray, Tae Diggs and the Desir brothers are going to have a big day.

Special Teams

The special teams unit played well with new starters in the kicking game except for the muffed punt. I think they’ll be even better this week.

Prediction

FSU should run the ball most of the game. I don’t expect the Lions to be able to stop it, but the possessions should be limited.

Florida State 45 East Texas A&M 10

Alabama finished 2024 with a 9-4 record in coach Kalen DeBoer’s first season.

Florida State Offensive Starters

QB Tommy Castellanos, RB Gavin Sawchuk, Jaylin Lucas, TE Randy Pittman, WR Duce Robinson and Squirrel White, OT Gunnar Hansen and Micah Pettus, OG Adrian Medley and Richie Leonard, C Luke Petitbon.

Florida state offense versus Alabama defense

New offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn brings a run heavy attack to Tallahassee, and he has a quarterback, Tommy Castellanos, that is well suited for his scheme. Castellanos is a great runner but must get better in the passing game. To help the quarterback, coach Norvell brought in 4 new offensive lineman and 8 new skill position guys that will see action.

The offense struggled so much last season that it was a must to make major changes on this side of the ball. With these new pieces it is important that they gel quickly to move the ball against the 10^th ranked defense in the FBS from the ‘24 season. The defense’s strength is at the linebacker position with Deontae Lawson (coming back from injury), Qua Russaw and Nikhai Hill-Green getting most of the snaps. Other players to look out for are defensive lineman LT Overton and safety Bray Hubbard (3 interceptions in ’24). The Crimson Tide will be without their best pass rusher Tim Keenan.

Defensive Starters

DL James Williams, Darrell Jackson and Jayson Jenkins, LB Omar Graham, Justin Cryer and Elijah Herring, CB Jerry Wilson and Ja’Bril Rawls, S Ashlynd Barker, Earl Little and KJ Kirkland

Florida state defense versus Alabama offense

The biggest worry for FSU defense is how they are going to deal with Alabama’s rushing attack even without the starting running back Jam Miller. Richard Young is the most likely starter behind one of the best offensive lines in the country led by projected first round pick in the NFL draft, Kadyn Proctor.

New quarterback Ty Simpson, a mobile signal caller that would rather throw it, has a great receiving corps at his disposal in Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard and Isaiah Horton.

Darrell Jackson needs to break through double teams the whole game to give the FSU defense a shot at slowing down Alabama. If defensive tackle Jackson can pull this off, which he is certainly capable of, then it’ll be up to James Williams and Jayson Jenkins and the linebackers to clean up the mess and make the play.

Cornerback Jerry Wilson should try to cover Ryan Williams most of the game, so it’ll be up to the rest of the secondary to deal with the other targets.

Special Teams

P Jake Weinburg, P Mac Chiumento, PR Jaylin Lucas

Even with new specialists I expect coach Papuchis’ group to be a strength of the team once again.

Prediction

Florida State 21 Alabama 31

Florida is 6-5 on season with wins against Samford, UCF, Mississippi State, Kentucky, LSU and Ole Miss with losses to Miami, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Georgia and Texas.

FSU is 28-37-2 versus Florida in the series all-time. The ‘Noles won in a defensive slugfest last year at the Swamp and won in a shootout, 45-38, in ’22.

Observations from the last game

The quarterback, Luke Kromenhoek, showed he can make most of the throws at a few different arm angles and demonstrated his athleticism in the open field and in the pocket. The young skill position players, Landen Thomas, Amaree Williams, Elijah Moore and Micahi Danzy, made some big plays as well.

The offensive line played decent when they followed through on their assignments.

Florida State offense versus Florida defense

FSU is going to go with Luke Kromenhoek at QB once again. The key on this side of the ball is the run game for FSU. The Gators have done a decent job against the run but have been better the last two games versus LSU and Ole Miss.

Florida State is 132^nd in yards per game rushing but might have gained some confidence in the last game. If Lawrance Toafili and Kam Davis can get some yards on first down, it’ll open things up for the freshman quarterback.

When it comes to the passing game it should be tough against a defensive front that has 5 players with at least 2 sacks including Tyreak Sapp, who has 6. Stat stuffing DBs Trikweze Bridges and Jordan Castell are other players to look out for.

Florida State defense versus Florida offense

UF quarterback DJ Lagway had a slow start to the season due to facing some tough defenses and an injury but has been turning heads the past couple games. Lagway is normally a dual threat, but his leg injury has hindered him a bit. This still hasn’t deterred them from being a run heavy offense (57% run to pass). Jadan Baugh, Montrell Johnson and Ja’Kobi Jackson split the carries and have 18 rushing touchdowns between them.

FSU needs a big performance from the defensive line to disrupt the running game and give the linebackers like Blake Nichelson (48 tackles) and Cam Riley (44 tackles) clean lanes to make the tackle. Elijah Badger (22.2 yards per catch), Chimere Dike and tight end Arlis Boardingham are Lagway’s go to guys in the passing game.

Special Teams

Chimere Dike is 10^th in FBS in punt return yards per attempt with 14.9. He gives UF the slight advantage.

Prediction

This game will come down to the trenches. This is where the Gators have a major advantage. UF should be able to establish the run on offense and will have Kromenhoek under pressure all night. Mercifully, the season we would like to forget about, comes to an end.

Florida State 13 Florida 41.

Charleston Southern is 1-10 on the season with a win against Furman and losses to the Citadel, Richmond, Tennessee State, Western Illinois, Lindenwood, Southeastern Missouri State, Tennessee Tech, Gardner-Webb, Tennessee Martin and Eastern Illinois.

FSU is 2-0 against the Buccaneers all-time, 62-10 in 2011 and 52-8 in 2016.

Coaching Changes

After the Notre Dame game FSU relieved offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and wide receiver coach Ron Dugans of their duties. The search for their replacements is ongoing. I think they will find the new coordinators the week after the Florida game.

Norvell has been the play caller for the offense his entire tenure and I think he should find a coordinator that can take up that responsibility. This would free up Norvell to focus on other things. FSU may have to find another defensive back coach as well, Patrick Surtain is interviewing for the Southern Mississippi head coach position.

Florida State offense versus Charleston Southern defense

The starter at quarterback will be Brock Glenn or Luke Kromenhoek and is going to be a game time decision. The back up will still get into the game. Glenn has a better grasp of the offense but I think Kromenhoek has a higher upside so I hope to see more plays with Luke under center.

Steve Zayachkowsky has been a menace on the Buccaneers defense this season racking up 74 tackles and 3 sacks. Other defenders to watch out for are D-Lineman Darrius Bell and defensive back Ja’Kobe North.

Running back Lawrance Toafili should break off a few big runs helping the ‘Noles score some points.

Florida State defense versus Charleston Southern offense

Rob McCoy (819 yards passing and 4 total TDs) and Kaleb Jackson (608 yards passing and 6 total TDs) will split snaps at quarterback for Charleston as they have a few games this season. Jackson is the better runner, so I expect him to get more snaps against an FSU defense that struggles versus mobile QBs.

When the Buccaneers throw the ball, they’ll be looking for receiver Noah Jennings (43 receptions). It’ll be up to corners AZ Thomas and Kevin Knowles to slow him down. I think defensive tackles Darrell Jackson and Josh Farmer are going to stop the run game making it hard for CSU to move the ball.

Special Teams

The ‘Noles had their worst game on special teams of the season against at Notre Dame, but I expect them to turn it around against the Buccaneers.

Prediction

Although the FSU defense is depleted and has underperformed all season they should have no problem stopping the Charleston Southern offense. The much maligned Seminole offensive line should take care of an outmatched defense leading the ‘Noles to a much needed victory.

Florida State 31 Charleston Southern 6.