Staff Predictions for FSU-Florida

Saturday should bring the last true challenge to Florida State’s bowl-eligibility. The makeup game against Louisiana-Monroe on Dec. 2 will almost certainly be a Seminole victory, so the contest against the Florida Gators will be the big game to focus on for the team.

A loss means the 35-year bowl streak and 4-game win streak vs. Florida are over. It might also be the tipping point for many Florida State fans.

Neither offense is going to light up the scoreboard. But neither defense is going to impress any observer. These are two mediocre teams at their very core. In this sense, Saturday will be a fight for pride and bragging rights that has not been seen in decades between the two programs. Who wants it more?

We here at The Daily Nole will tell you exactly what we think will go down on Saturday. This week’s predictions are done by editor Mike Ferguson, lead writer Clint Eiland, site manager Edwin Collins, staff writer Josh Mixon and recruiting analyst Jay Brading.

Clint: I’ve waffled on this game over the past week. I gave a prediction on Monday’s Tomahawk Talk that Florida State would win 24-13. Midweek I began to really question Florida State’s ability to remain completely focused with the Texas A&M rumors and the past performances. But after remembering Florida’s games against teams like Tennessee and South Carolina, it became apparent that Florida State will cruise to victory if it just dominates possession and keeps running. Florida is not a good team and it has a combination of injuries and suspensions that basically neuter both sides of the ball. FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher and defensive coordinator Charles Kelly have both game-planned very well against Florida for the past three years. I’ll keep my original score of 24-13, Seminoles still winning.

Mike: With everything to lose for Florida State, or at least a bowl game and nothing to lose for Florida, this is a scary game for the Seminoles on the road. Overall however, FSU has the better resume’, even if the schools have identical 4-6 records. This one is tough to call, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty, I believe FSU has the better football team. FSU 20, Florida 18.

Josh: I’ve gone back and forth on this game, but I’m ultimately going with the team I trust more to execute. Based on the past few weeks, that team is Florida State. This game is going to be incredibly ugly (seriously, don’t watch it if you’re a neutral) and Hell might freeze over if one team scores more than 25. Ultimately, I think backs Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick will expose Florida’s mediocre run defense and the Seminole defense will do just enough to carry FSU to within one win of bowl-eligibility. FSU wins, 21-17. Seriously, go watch the Iron Bowl or something.

Edwin: FSU 52, Florida 6.  There really is no explanation for it. FSU is going to dominate the game.

Jay: I think Florida State will make more plays on both sides of the ball. FSU will force some turnovers and get decent production from its running game. FSU quarterback James Blackman seems to be making decent progress, but with the most unpredictable Florida State maybe ever, this one is tough to call. I’ll take the Noles, 27-13.