Florida State fans will wake up Monday morning knowing that their season kickoff is just hours away. The Labor Day match-up with Virginia Tech is finally here and all that’s left to do is play the game.
We here at The Daily Nole have provided a week’s worth of content aimed at giving you all the information necessary for this game. Check out some of our stories below if you haven’t already. We’ll be doing it every week for the rest of 2018.
FSU Football: First Look at Virginia Tech
Column: Francois Can Change the Narrative in Season Opener
FSU’s Biggest Questions vs. Virginia Tech
FSU Football: What Can Francois Do for a Labor Day Encore?
Staff Predictions
Lead writer Clint Eiland: Florida State has the obvious motivation edge to begin this contest, considering it’s the first ever under a new coach, with the whole nation watching, wearing a new uniform combo. But I really don’t think Virginia Tech is going to get blown out. Josh Jackson is a very promising quarterback and Justin Fuente is a good head coach. The Hokies also return enough on offense to exploit some of the issues with a brand new system on Florida State’s side.
Florida State’s offense will be difficult to stop however. In addition to the much-publicized losses for Virginia Tech’s defense, the combo of Walt Bell and Willie Taggart means that the Seminoles won’t be afraid to unleash the big guns for the Labor Day match-up. I think it’s an offensive shootout for three quarters, until the Seminoles’ defense regroups to begin the fourth and forces a key turnover to help seal the game. Give me Florida State 38, Virginia Tech 31.
Editor Mike Ferguson: A raucous crowd will play a big role for Florida State in this one as the Seminoles will come out strong out of the gate. Deondre Francois won’t be the star of the offense, but plays well in head coach Willie Taggart’s new scheme. Defensively, FSU will get enough stops in a contest that sees more snaps than in years past, although Virginia Tech’s Josh Jackson will have some success. Florida State 38, Virginia Tech 26.
Digital content manager Edwin Collins: The Taggart era unfortunately begins with a loss to temper some of the excitement. Virginia Tech 23, FSU 21.
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