We’ve hit hump day as seasons heat up for a number of Florida State athletic programs.
The ACC slate for FSU football got underway on Saturday night with a 31-24 loss at Virginia. The start of the conference slate is now on the horizon for a couple other groups of Seminoles.
As is our Wednesday tradition, we tell you what to watch for this coming week across the FSU sports spectrum:
1. FSU soccer opens up ACC play
After a 5-0 shutout of Villanova to wrap up the non-conference on Sunday, reigning national champion Florida State soccer will begin ACC play on Thursday at home against Boston College. The Seminoles underwhelmed in conference last season, going just 5-4-1 and settling for the No. 7 seed in the ACC Tournament. FSU would rebound to sweep through the conference and NCAA Tournaments.
To this point in the season, Boston College is 7-0-1, but the competition has not been particularly stiff. FSU comes in at 6-2 and ranked No. 6 in the country. Deyna Castellanos leads FSU with five goals and 14 total points this season. Last season’s ACC Freshman of the Year, Yujie Zhao, scored a pair of goals last time out.
2. FSU volleyball wraps up non-conference play
No. 23 Florida State volleyball had its 3-match winning streak snapped on Tuesday night in a straight-set loss to rival Florida, but the Seminoles will look to finish the non-conference slate strong as they return home to face Alabama on Friday night. It will be the final match before FSU opens ACC play a week later at Duke. The Crimson Tide are 8-1 on the year.
3. FSU football looks to bounce back
After a disheartening loss in Virginia, Florida State football will look to even its ACC record on Saturday as it returns home to take on Louisville. The Seminoles escaped last season on the road with a 28-24 victory over the Cardinals, thanks to a Deondre Francois touchdown pass to Nyqwan Murray in the game’s final minutes. Both of those players are gone, but quarterback James Blackman tied an FSU record last week by throwing at least three touchdown passes in five straight starts.
Despite being held under 100 yards rushing for the first time on Saturday, Cam Akers still leads the ACC in rushing with 387 yards on the ground and is tied for the scoring lead with five total touchdowns. Defensively, Hamsah Nasirildeen leads the Seminoles with 28 tackles and three forced fumbles.
Louisville has already tied its win total from last season under first-year head coach Scott Satterfield. Starting quarterback Jawon Pass is questionable for Saturday’s contest, which begins at 3:30 p.m. EST and airs on ESPN. Wide receiver Tutu Atwell leads Louisville with 241 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Linebacker Rodjay Burns leads the team with 16 tackles and two sacks.
4. FSU cross country in Virginia
Florida State cross country will try to do something in Virginia on Friday that the football team could not and that is come away with a win. FSU swept the Covered Bridge Open to begin the year and will take part in the Virginia Tech Alumni Invitational this week. Kasey Knevelbaard won on the men’s side in North Carolina last month while Lauren Ryan finished second overall on the women’s side.
5. FSU men’s golf heads to Illinois
After a disappointing showing at the Maui Jim Invitational, FSU men’s golf will try to right the ship in its second tournament in as many weekends. The Seminoles will take part in the Fighting Illini Invitational, which runs from Friday to Sunday. FSU finished last out of 15 teams last weekend in Scottsdale. Jamie Li had the best tournament for the Seminoles, finishing tied for 24th overall at -3. It should be noted that reigning ACC champion John Pak did not participate.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson. Like The Daily Nole on Facebook. To pitch an idea, author a post or to learn more about The Daily Nole, email Mike Ferguson at Mike@TheDailyNole.com.
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