TV Time Tuesday: Bye Week Viewing Guide for FSU Fans

Bye week got you down? Missing Florida State football and all the emotions it brings? Still wishing to get high off college football?

Well, do we have the article for you!

Despite the Seminoles not having a game this week, The Daily Nole continues to provide you with timely and interesting content. Heck, we even do it when there’s not even an FSU football game scheduled!

Below we’ve broken down the games you’ll want to tune into this weekend. It’s a mix of Florida State’s past opponents, future opponents, and other notable top-25 match-ups. Networks and times are listed by each game.

Past Opponents

Boise State at UNLV (CBSSN, 10:30 p.m. EST) – The Broncos shouldn’t have too much trouble disposing of an overwhelmed Rebels squad that has lost their last three games by an average of 26 points. The spread is Boise State by 23.5 points. You do the math.

Louisiana-Monroe vs. Memphis (ESPNU, 3:45 p.m. EST) – The Warhawks can certainly put up a lot of yards and a lot of points, but their defense is downright atrocious. That’s bad news against a Tigers team that has a penchant for lighting up the scoreboard. Louisiana-Monroe might keep it close for a half, but expect Memphis to drop 50-plus in a win.

Louisville vs. Boston College (ACCNX, 12:30 p.m. EST) – These two teams appear to be going in opposite directions. On one hand, you have a Louisville team that has already matched last year’s win total, who has modestly improved on both sides of the ball. On the other hand, you have Steve Addazio feeling a hot seat after losing a home game to Kansas (where his team surrendered 48 points) and losing to Wake Forest (where it allowed 17 third-down conversions). I like Scott Satterfield and the Cardinals to get their third win of the year on Saturday.

Future Opponents

Miami vs. Virginia Tech (ESPN, 3:30 p.m. EST) – It’s difficult to find two ACC teams that have disappointed more than the Hurricanes and the Hokies. Miami is coming off an atrocious performance against Central Michigan, where it won a slop-fest 17-12. The Hurricanes are only outdone by a cratering Virginia Tech program, which got its doors blown off at home by Duke, 45-10. From a mental standpoint, the Hurricanes should feel slightly better heading into this match-up. They also have a significantly better defense than the Hokies at this stage of the game — though this will be closer than expected because of how bad Miami’s offensive line is. Miami by 10.

Alabama State vs. Alcorn State – Fun fact: This game went to five overtimes last year, yet the final score was just 28-25. While I won’t bet on that happening again, I will also not try to give analysis of two teams I have not watched. I’ll say Alcorn State, because Steve McNair was legit.

Top 25 Match-Ups

(14) Iowa at (19) Michigan – An undefeated Iowa heading into The Big House could not come at a worse time for a Michigan program in the middle of some soul searching. The Wolverines blasted Rutgers last week, but the blowout loss to Wisconsin the week prior has many wondering if head coach Jim Harbaugh has already reached his ceiling. Iowa is Iowa once again — leading some to believe that a similar offensive philosophy to the Badgers means that the Hawkeyes will be able to move the ball at will. I’m going to push back a little on that and point out that Iowa has not faced a gauntlet of top opponents by any means. It won’t be pretty, but I’ll take Michigan by a score.

(7) Auburn at (10) Florida (CBS, 3:30 p.m. EST) – College Gameday returns to The Swamp for Florida’s first real test of the season. Fans of defensive fronts dominating games should make this their No. 1 game of the week. Auburn brings arguably the best defensive line in the nation, which should cause a ton of trouble for a Gators squad whose offensive line has been exposed as a clear weakness. It’s not too different on the other side however, since the Gators boast two very good defensive ends in Jonathan Greenard and Jabari Zuniga. Neither Kyle Trask nor Bo Nix will win this game for their teams. It’s going to be on the defenses to create good field position and help their offenses as much as possible. Auburn by less than seven.

(25) Michigan State at (4) Ohio State (ABC, 7:30 p.m. EST) – The Buckeyes don’t get mentioned as much in the national title discussion, despite the fact that they’ve looked totally dominant to start the season. Granted, it hasn’t been the best competition (it’s been lackluster actually) but they remain one of the most talented teams in the nation. Michigan State is an interesting match-up for them because the Spartans oscillate between a dominating defense carrying them to victory and a lackluster offense dragging them down to defeat. They’re also the first real challenge the Buckeyes will face in 2019. I’ll say the Spartans make it interesting, but the final score is comfortably in Ohio State’s favor.

Bold Prediction

California over (13) Oregon (FOX, 8:00 p.m. EST) – Do not doubt Cal’s defense this year. The Golden Bears had a slight down game against Arizona State, but they are still a legitimately good unit, which will give the rest of the Pac-12 fits throughout the season. Oregon is the favorite in this one for an obvious reason. The Ducks have an even better defense, though their offense is suspiciously under-performing. For whatever reason, I like Cal’s defense to frustrate Oregon enough to lead to the upset. Let’s also be honest…if you had to choose an upset in college football, the Pac-12 is easily your best bet.

Clint Eiland is the lead writer for The Daily Nole. Follow Clint on Twitter @ClintEiland. 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.