The Daily Nole

Staff Predictions for FSU-Wake Forest

Mitch White/FSU athletics

The 2015 iteration of this game was actually one of the closer contests for Florida State — albeit, not in any desirable way. After an early flare up caused Dalvin Cook to only receive two carries (one of which he took for a 94-yard touchdown), the Seminoles and Wake Forest started a defensive grudge match in Winston-Salem. It only ended in the last minute of the game, when Tyler Hunter intercepted a pass in the end zone to help FSU escape an upset, 24-16.

Truthfully, the score might not be that far apart when the two meet up again on Saturday afternoon. Florida State’s defense showed signs of life against Miami last week, while Wake Forest’s has been operating at a high level for the whole season up to this point. If each of them continue to do so, there will not be a blowout from either side.

Though if one team is lighting up the scoreboard, it probably won’t be the one wearing black and gold. The Seminoles have a comparatively better/more talented offense, and it will be on Wake Forest’s defense to try and give the team the opportunities to pull off a stunner on homecoming weekend in Tallahassee.

We at The Daily Nole pride ourselves on the comprehensive work we give to our readers, and this week is no different. Editor Mike Ferguson gave the first look at Wake Forest in his weekly column, went back in time to relive the “Miami Muff”, and pointed out how Ermon Lane is revitalizing his career. Lead writer Clint Eiland chipped in with an examination of just how dominant Dalvin Cook has been, recapped some of the surprises and disappointments of the season so far, and gave a preview of the Wake Forest game.

Joining those two in their predictions are digital content manager Edwin Collins, recruiting analyst Jay Brading and contributors T.J. Pittinger and Robert Blackburn.

Clint: FSU beats Wake Forest 24-14. Quarterback John Wolford might be able to hit one or two prayers down the sideline, but there should be no reason for the Wake Forest offense to score much at all. Even disregarding the talent advantage FSU has, Wake Forest’s offense simply has not been good. At the same time, the defense has flown under the radar, and anyone expecting the FSU offense to put up 40-plus is probably going to be disappointed. The Seminoles will jump out to an early lead but the gap will never be big enough to safely say the game is in the bag. FSU will still walk away with a victory and start preparing for Clemson.

Mike: After by far the best effort of the year against Miami, the Florida State defense should have another pretty good week. The Wake Forest defense will probably keep this one from getting ugly early and I expect Jimbo Fisher’s offense to take a bit of a conservative approach. The Demon Deacons will be in it at halftime, but FSU will methodically wear them down. FSU 31, Wake Forest 13.

Edwin: Another week and I see another “Dalvin Cook Show” coming this weekend. I will go out a limb and predict for the fourth straight week Dalvin Cook will have over 200 yards from scrimmage. The defense comes out hungry once again and right before a well-needed bye week. FSU 41, Wake Forst 3.

Jay: 21-20, Wake Forest. When I pick against Florida State, the Seminoles seem to win. I’m just doing my part to keep the nation’s longest bowl streak alive. Until it stops working, I’ll keep doing it.

T.J.: FSU 41, Wake 14. FSU dominates from start to finish against a team it has a significant talent advantage over.

Robert: 38-31, FSU. Coming off an emotional win against Miami, Florida State will come out flat on defense. Deondre Francois and Dalvin Cook will continue to produce, bailing the defense out and leading the Seminoles to the win.

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