The final month of the 2017 regular season for Florida State brings big-time rivalry games. For the Seminoles, those games will ultinately decide their fate. If FSU can somehow finish the season undefeated, then an ACC Championship will be all that stands in its way of yet again making the College Football Playoff.
Here are the contests in November and key match-ups to watch for:
vs. Syracuse, Nov. 4
Key Match-up: FSU secondary vs. Syracuse wide receivers
Florida State has one of the best secondaries in all of college football this season. There is definitely no denying that. While few will be expecting Syracuse to come to Doak Campbell Stadium and pull an upset, but the Orange could make pose some problems through the air. Amba Etta-Tawo and Brisly Estime are both gone, but Ervin Philips and Steve Ishmael should still serve as one of the better receiving duos in the ACC.
at Clemson, Nov. 11
Key Match-up: FSU defensive line vs. Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant
Tigers’ quarterback Kelly Bryant will have the unenviable task of trying to replace a legend like Deshaun Watson. FSU and Clemson always go toe-to-toe in the annual rivalry. The winner has gone on to win the ACC in every season since 2011. This season, the FSU defensive line will be key. Containing a dual-threat like Bryant is a must for the Seminoles. Led by Josh Sweat, the Seminoles’ talented D-line will have to contain Bryant and force him to win the game with his arm. If they do, that should bode well for FSU.
vs. Delaware State, Nov. 18
Key Match-up: FSU vs. the injury bug
Delaware State stands no chance of pulling off the upset on Senior Day in Tallahassee. The Hornets, an FCS team, didn’t win a single game last season and won’t be doing so against the Seminoles. The key for Florida State will be getting out of this one healthy and being as close to full strength as possible for rival Florida and a possible ACC Championship.
at Florida, Nov. 25
Key Match-up: FSU defense vs. Florida wide receivers
The Gators haven’t scored an offensive touchdown against Florida State in 10 quarters. The Seminoles have forced them to be methodical, but to change its fortunes, Florida must find a way to push the ball down the field. Florida has a few talented wideouts in Antonio Callaway and Tyrie Cleveland. Those pass-catchers however, will be matched up against an FSU secondary that should be one of the best in the country. Florida has had no success against a secondary that includes James and Tarvarus McFadden in years past. If it is to snap a 4-game losing streak to the Seminoles, the Gators will have to find a way to put points on the board.
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