We would reckon that many Florida State and Michigan fans asked for a present that can’t exactly be wrapped under a tree: a win in the 2016 Capital One Orange Bowl. In what might be the best of the non-playoff bowl games, the Florida State Seminoles return to Hard Rock Stadium to face the Michigan Wolverines.
This is Florida State’s final objective to make the 2016 season a relative “success”. A win (or even a close game) against a favored Michigan team would bring some momentum into 2017 and instill much-needed confidence into the coaching staff. It would signal a greatly improved team that was able to put bad losses behind it and win a major bowl game. Early defensive struggles would clearly be related to injuries and youth, while offensive excellency would come from Jimbo Fisher’s coaching. All things considered, this might be the most important FSU game since the 2014 playoff contest against Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has quickly turned Michigan from an ailing program to a legitimate championship contender in two years. It’s hard to understate how impressive that is when considering the outlook at the end of the 2014 season. The Wolverines in 2016 have the second best defense in the nation and lost two games in extraordinary fashion. The Orange Bowl might be considered a “disappointment” when compared to a playoff spot, but you can bet they’ll be motivated for their first major bowl since 2011.
If you need to read up on this Michigan team and how the Seminoles stack up, The Daily Nole has you covered. Here’s a list of great articles that we’ve published leading up to this year’s Orange Bowl:
FSU Football: A First Look at Michigan by Mike Ferguson
FSU With Plenty to Prove, Play for in Orange Bowl by Mike Ferguson
Dalvin Cook, Miami and Don Brown: Something’s Got to Give by Mike Ferguson
FSU Football: A Look At Michigan QB Wilton Speight by Clint Eiland
Orange Bowl: Position Match-ups by Clint Eiland
Battled Tested Francois Can Make Plays to Beat Michigan by Robert Blackburn
It’s been a pleasure to cover Florida State football in 2016. With the season coming to an end, The Daily Nole is proud to give you our final staff predictions for 2016. They come from lead writer Clint Eiland, editor Mike Ferguson, digital content manager Edwin Collins, recruiting analyst Jay Brading and contributors T.J. Pittinger and Robert Blackburn.
Clint: 28-14, Michigan. The Wolverines’ offense is nothing special and will not move the ball too well against the FSU defense. But they won’t really need to. While the FSU offense is among the best in the nation, the Michigan defense is top 5. I’ve repeatedly said the Wolverines don’t have a weakness on that side of the ball, and it’ll remain apparent in the Orange Bowl. FSU running back Dalvin Cook will get his yards and he’ll try his best, but Michigan will keep him from running rampant. A Deondre Francois interception or two will give Michigan a short field to work with, and it seals the game late in the fourth quarter with time running down. Don’t expect too many eye-popping stat-lines from this match-up.
Mike: After more than a month off for both teams, this one is tough to pick. FSU is playing great coming in and I think Dalvin Cook has a productive night. Scoring opportunities will be few for the Seminoles and with a depleted group of safeties, I think Michigan can take advantage on a few occasions. I like Florida State’s chances in this one, but I’m not picking it. Maze and Blue 23, Garnet and Gold 17.
Edwin: This is where you see a glimpse of what FSU will look like next year. Dalvin Cook in what is likely his final college game in front of his hometown crowd will make the best of it. Cook will have a couple of touchdowns and over 100 yards rushing. FSU runs away in this one, 35-21.
Jay: FSU pulls the upset, 24-20.
T.J.: FSU starts slow after the holiday break. Michigan takes a lead to the half. FSU comes out rolling (thanks to Dalvin Cook showing out in the 305) in the second half and wins, 31-24.
Robert: Florida State starts slow and can’t quite recover despite a second half push. Dalvin Cook will rush for more than 100 yards, proving yet again he’s one of the best backs in college football. Deondre Francois will have a solid game despite the offensive line getting bullied by Michigan. FSU drops its third bowl game in a row, 31-24.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login