Who: Syracuse Orange (4-4, 2-2 ACC) at Florida State Seminoles (2-5, 2-4 ACC)
Where: Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida
When: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 12:20 p.m. EST (ACC Network)
Amidst the drama and tumult of the current Florida State football program is the fact that a game is still on for Saturday. The team will have to learn how to play through the talk and the external pressure of a losing season. Oddly enough, neither the defense or offense will be the main focus. It will be on the overall effort. If the Seminoles come in with the same urgency as they had in a 35-3 loss at Boston College, they will be routed before the third quarter.
Syracuse will certainly come out with fire. The Orange hung tough with Miami into the fourth quarter, but four interceptions proved insurmountable. That came one week after they had upset another top 10 team in Clemson. Offensively, head coach Dino Babers has done wonders, turning the Orange into serious threats in both realms. Quarterback Eric Dungey is at the forefront of this revival and will be the key to a victory in Tallahassee. He could have a career-day if Syracuse comes out strong to start.
Lead writer Clint Eiland and editor Mike Ferguson break down the match-up:
Biggest Syracuse Advantage
Clint: Eric Dungey Coming In To His Own – Nothing should scare Seminoles fans more than the potential game that Eric Dungey could have on Saturday. Last week’s 4-interception affair against Miami was a setback, but his immaculate game against Clemson hints to what he can do against an under-performing Florida State. He’s a dual-threat in every sense of the word. His passing needs work (12 touchdowns to eight interceptions) but his ability on the ground (400-plus yards and eight touchdowns) could be the deciding factor this weekend.
Mike: Morale – Syracuse is a good football team and the fact that it has defeated defending national championship Clemson while hanging tough with the likes of ranked LSU, N.C. State and Miami gives credence to the fact that this is a program headed in the right direction. The same can’t be said for FSU, which is off to its worst start in 41 years and just allowed Boston College to tie its largest margin of victory in an ACC tgame. Its head coach is arguing with fans, fans are clamoring for new coaches and a senior linebacker Jacob Pugh just said the team lacked leadership. The Orange want a bowl berth. FSU wants this season to be over.
Biggest FSU Advantage
Clint: Opportunities for Passing – The Orange defense has been a pleasant surprise for Syracuse fans. They won’t finish in the top 25 or maybe even top 40, but they are doing enough to help the team win close games. However, the passing defense remains weak. They allowed Miami’s Malik Rosier to pass for over 300 yards last time out, and they’ve benefited from injuries to other starters like Clemson’s Kelly Bryant. According to S&P ratings, the pass defense is ranked 54th overall. James Blackman has been inconsistent but he is perfectly capable of putting together a quality game against Syracuse.
Mike: The Trenches – If there is a game where Florida State can finally dominate up front on both sides of the ball, it’s this one. The FSU offensive line has been maligned for the past few seasons now, but it will be facing a Syracuse defense that ranks last in the ACC in sacks. On the other side of the ball, the Orange have allowed quarterback Eric Dungey to get sacked 25 times. Saturday should provide the perfect opportunity for guys like Brian Burns, Josh Sweat and Derrick Nnadi to have a big day.
Game Breaker
Clint: Can the Offense Stop Shooting Itself in the Foot? – Fumbles, interceptions, drops, terrible calls, everything needed for the Florida State offense to stumble has appeared in spades throughout the season. The team isn’t asking them to carry the entire load. They’re simply being asked to not be a detriment. If they can get at least a few solid drives on Syracuse, they should be able to get back into a rhythm and help out the defense.
Mike: Can FSU Harass Eric Dungey? – In last year’s contest in the Carrier Dome, the Seminoles had the fortune of not having to face Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey, who was hurt. Dungey is healthy this season and is playing very well. FSU has struggled this season with mobile quarterbacks like John Wolford of Wake Forest and Louiville’s Lamar Jackson and Dungey is certainly that. If FSU can’t find a way to get pressure against an offensive line that has struggled in pass protection, Dungey has the weapons in Steve Ishmael and Ervin Philips to pick the Seminoles apart with his arm or his legs.
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