Some readers will remember our original predictions for the Louisiana-Monroe-Florida State game back in September. That contest was cancelled due to Hurricane Irma, so we decided to have some fun with the weekly article.
Not to be outdone, this FSU-ULM game has now brought even more drama to the table. Jimbo Fisher officially resigned Friday afternoon to coach at Texas A&M. That means the Seminoles will be fighting for bowl-eligibility with interim head coach Odell Haggins.
That’s not the best situation to be in with the stakes as high as they currently are. The fundamentals of the match-up don’t change, but just about everything else does.
Will Florida State avoid a meltdown? We here at The Daily Nole will tell you exactly what we think. This week’s predictions are done by editor Mike Ferguson, staff writer Clint Eiland, site manager Edwin Collins, staff writer Josh Mixon and recruiting analyst Jay Brading.
Clint: This week took such a dramatic turn that I have a really hard time seeing FSU remain all that focused…at the beginning of the game. Odell Haggins is a good motivator and the players love him. It will be a rough start for the Seminoles and they’ll likely give up some concerning early scores. But they’ll come out in the second half angry and hungry for another bowl game. This is where the defense will regroup and begin to dominate the Warhawks at the line. Meanwhile the offense will be able to run away with it on the backs of running backs Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick, as well as a productive day from receiver Auden Tate. FSU 42, ULM 21.
Mike: The focus is the biggest concern for me, but it would still take an absolute meltdown in many facets for Florida State to lose this one. It doesn’t start getting ugly until after the first quarter, but freshman quarterback James Blackman and running back Cam Akers both have very nice days. I have the Seminoles closing the year on the right foot, 48-20.
Josh: Lost in all the madness this week is that Randy Sanders will be calling the shots this week on offense. ULM is a scary good offensive team, but the Warhawks’ defense is one of the worst in the country. I think Cam Akers will have his way — I’ll predict 230 total yards and two touchdowns — and the FSU defense will hold down the fort enough to carry the Noles to bowl-eligibility. FSU 41-17 over ULM.
Edwin: FSU 67, ULM 0. Expect something like the Delaware State embarrassment.
Jay: As has been the case with just about every other game this season where coaching changes weren’t made the day before, I don’t know what to expect. I think the ULM offense is pretty good and will give FSU some trouble. I’ll go 28-17, FSU.
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