Life can hopefully return to normal for Florida State football fans. After three weeks without a game, the team will play its home opener at Doak Campbell Stadium against the N.C. State Wolfpack on Saturday. It’s not how anyone planned it, but few will be complaining at this point.
On paper, this game should be close. N.C. State typically plays the Seminoles tight, including a thriller last year that resulted in FSU squeaking out a 24-20 victory. The Seminoles have a clear talent advantage, but they’re breaking in a new quarterback and have had a long break from playing.
How they respond is anyone’s guess. In fact, it’s our guess. This week’s predictions are done by head editor Mike Ferguson, staff writer Clint Eiland, site manager Edwin Collins, and contributors Josh Mixon and Jay Brading.
Clint: I might be in the minority here, but I honestly don’t think this game will end up being that close. I expect N.C. State to play inspired defense in the first half, and neither team will be doing much offensively for the first 30 minutes. But after that, I think the reality starts to set in. Head coach Jimbo Fisher makes the necessary adjustments and has the Seminoles rolling by the third quarter. The defense wears down N.C. State quarterback Ryan Finley and forces him into two turnovers. It turns into a fourth quarter rout and the Wolfpack leave Tallahassee knowing that head coach Dave Doeren is a dead man walking. 38-14, Florida State.
Mike: The long layoff and true freshman quarterback will have a negative impact on FSU early, but the Seminoles find their stride in the second quarter and into the second half. Expect a big day from the FSU defense as Ryan Finley comes back down to earth. FSU 21, N.C. State 13.
Edwin: 38-7, FSU.
Josh: While FSU has superior talent in nearly every position, the Noles haven’t stepped onto the field since Sept. 2. That will have an effect, and N.C. State will likely keep this game close for at least one half – maybe more. Fisher will look to run the ball a lot in order to take some of the pressure off of James Blackman, and FSU will lean on its defense to do the dirty work on Saturday. FSU pulls away late for a semi-ugly 10-point victory. FSU 24, N.C. State 14.
Jay: I think James Blackman has a nice day and the Seminoles take care of business. Give me the Noles at home, 31-17.
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