Here is the analysis for the second half of the season for FSU.
Game 7: @ Georgia Tech Oct 24
We meet again. Last year, we saw Georgia Tech give the Noles a run for their money in the ACC Championship game. But with our almost brand new offense coming in, who knows what we can do against the Yellow Jackets.
With the Georgia Tech already ranked above us in the Way Too Early Top 25, this has already become a pivotal game for the Noles. On the bright side, the Yellow Jackets are losing their top RB, FB, and WR. On the other hand, this does not bode well because the Noles had a tough time against that triple-option offense Georgia Tech ran against them. The key to Florida State's victory in this game will be how their LBs play. If the LBs can read Justin Thomas' eyes, the option run can easily become immobilized.
My Prediction: 4-point game
Game 8: vs Syracuse Oct 31
The Noles get their breather after a difficult 3 game stretch. Syracuse has never truly been a great football school. FSU should really have no problem in this game, especially playing in Doak. With no QB that has 100 completed passes and their top WR gone, the Orange look to have another poor season.
Their leading rusher, Prince-Tyson Gulley, only had 1 rushing TD last season. This is because the QB had 6 rushing TDs. The entire team combined for 18 TDs all year. With no changes in coaching and a recruiting class that is sure to be forgotten, do not expect too much of a fight from the Orange.
My Prediction: FSU 44-12
Game 9: @ Clemson Nov 7
This game can make or break the Noles. With so much uncertainty in the conference, Clemson has been given the best odds to win the ACC Championship. This comes from the fact that starting QB Watson is returning and that the Tigers have the #4 recruiting class this year behind Alabama, FSU, and USC.
The upside for the Noles is that Vic Beasly is projected to go in the Top 10 in the draft, taking care of a huge player on the Tiger's defense. For the Noles, they just have to score. That is how you beat Clemson. If the Noles play with the same heart they did in 2013, they have a shot at representing the Atlantic Division of the ACC.
My Prediction: 3-point game
Game 10: vs NC State Nov 14
Alright, now we get a real breather. NC State is only good against the Noles when they play in North Carolina. In Tallahassee, with Jimbo Fisher coaching (as HC and QB coach), the Noles have won by an average of 21.5 points. As the HC, Fisher has won by 30+ when playing in Doak.
With the top players at each skill position still with NC State, this team is almost the same as last years. Therefore, Jimbo knows how to beat them. Granted this game is late in the season, FSU will have the element of surprise when it comes to a team where most of the previous year's starters are gone. Besides that, defense is what will get FSU through this game. NC State is very well balanced in offensive play calling. If Fisher plays smart like usual, this should be a cake walk for the Noles.
My Prediction: FSU 38-23
Game 11: vs Chattanooga Nov 21
Another cupcake team that FSU will demolish. Do I really need to analyze this? This is basically a practice before the Noles play UF the following weekend. I really do not need to waste my time on analyzing an FCS team that lost to Tennessee by 35. Yeah, they went 10-4, but who did they beat? The only redeeming factor is that they played the Citadel last year and won by almost the same amount as FSU. Fisher is gonna tear this team apart with coaching.
My Prediction: FSU 55-13
Game 12: @ Florida Nov 28
Last game of the regular season. This game could hold much more weight than it has over the past 2 years. This could decide who goes to the ACC and SEC Championship games.
As of right now, UF is the biggest question mark on the schedule. Why? New Coach, new system, the addition of two Top 5 recruits on NSD. At Colorado State last year, Jim McElwain went 10-3, leading the Rams to the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl. With his team being 8th in the country in passing yards, UF got someone that could finally make their offense work since the departure of Tim Tebow.
The Key to victory for either team will be who can take advantage of big opportunities. When it's rivalry weekend, throw the rankings out of the window. It's anyone's game. It all depends on who wants it more.
My Prediction: 1-point game
Well, that's the season. Hopefully the Nole will return to the playoffs to redeem themselves from the Oregon game. But for now, let's cheer on the Noles baseball team as they look to take home the Noles first National Baseball Championship.
On Friday I will discuss the Top 5 DEs in the draft.
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