Florida State may have dropped in the polls over the weekend to #2, but Florida State had little trouble putting away Syracuse in the Carrier Dome. After failing to start 6-0 for 13 straight years, the Seminoles have now done it in consecutive seasons as they get set to take on Notre Dame while riding a 22-game winning streak.
#2 Florida State may have its toughest test of the season on Saturday against the fifth-ranked Fighting Irish, but will be in front of its home crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium. As FSU and Notre Dame get set to kick off a contest with a championship magnitude similar to 1993, the Noled Out staff breaks down the showdown with “Five Things”:
1. On Notre Dame
Mike Ferguson: At 6-0, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish look a lot like the team that ran all the way to the BCS National Championship two years ago. Things haven’t come easy for Notre Dame the last two weeks, but the Irish are getting things done late in games. Quarterback Everett Golson has yet to lose a regular season start and is playing the best football of his short career.
Jon Marchant: Florida State hosts the fifth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the prime time game of the week. Notre Dame is also undefeated with its biggest win a 17-14 victory at home against Stanford two weeks ago. Last week, Notre Dame barely edged out North Carolina 50-43. Its schedule has been somewhat soft, having opened the season with Rice, Michigan and Purdue. The only opponent both teams have played is Syracuse, who the Irish beat 31-15. The Seminoles defeated the Orange last week 38-20. Notre Dame is very likely the most talented team remaining on Florida State’s schedule, and will challenge the Seminole offensive line. The Irish offensive attack is also very good and will look to exploit weaknesses in the Seminole linebacking corps.
2. Players to Watch for FSU
Mike Ferguson: All eyes this week in Tallahassee will be on Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston. Winston is coming off of his best game of the year at Syracuse and has yet again, been the topic of controversy. Winston has never let off-the-field issues alter his play and that will need to hold true again for Florida State. Balance will also be key for the FSU offense and with running backs Karlos Williams and Mario Pender both banged up, the ‘Noles will need to find a way to generate a ground game.
Jon Marchant: The players to watch this week is the entire FSU defense. The defensive line needs to maintain gap discipline to contain Everett Golson’s running ability, the linebackers need to be more aware in coverage, and the safeties need to avoid miscommunications that will lead to busted coverages and big plays for the Irish offense.
3. Biggest Concern for FSU
Mike Ferguson: All controversy aside, the biggest concern for Florida State against Notre Dame may be the pass rush. The Seminoles struggled to get to the passer against Syracuse and mobile quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson and Jacoby Brissett have played well against Florida State. With a quarterback in Golson, who has 20 total touchdowns and just four interceptions this season, FSU will need to get the Irish signal-caller out of his comfort zone early and often.
Jon Marchant: The biggest concern for FSU is turnovers and busted coverages by the secondary. FSU’s offense, while not as explosive as last year’s historic 2013 squad, is still very good and can score on anybody on any drive as long as it doesn’t turn the ball over. FSU must take care of the ball to keep it in Winston’s hands and out of Notre Dame’s Everett Golson’s. The other concern is the defense. Florida State has given up some chunks of yards through the air this year, but have played exceptionally well in the red zone, perhaps unsustainably well. They need to work on being more consistent and getting off the field on third down.
4. X-Factor for FSU
Mike Ferguson: In a game of this magnitude, seniors like Rashad Greene, Cameron Erving and Karlos Williams are expected to perform, but the X-factor in this one for Florida State will be the youngsters. Over the last several weeks, running back Dalvin Cook and receiver Travis Rudolph have proven to be real playmakers. On defense, Lorenzo Featherston is shaping up to be a talented pass-rusher. Expect to see a lot of him on third down.
Jon Marchant: With all the Jameis Winston headlines off the field and the fan base feeling like there is a witch hunt going on, look for all that pent up frustration to come out once the lights come on. Winston will know the fans are behind him and I expect him to play well. That means that the person who will decide the game is Everett Golson. He is a streaky thrower; he can complete consecutive ridiculous passes and can also throw some that will leave you scratching your head. If he gets hot this game may come down to the wire or Notre Dame might outright win. If he struggles to find a rhythm, the Seminoles may just pull away.
5. FSU Wins If…
Mike Ferguson: Florida State will beat Notre Dame on Saturday if Jameis Winston is again able to block out the distractions and perform well under scrutiny. Florida State will need to be balanced offensively and take care of the football. On defense, the Seminoles absolutely must generate a pass-rush and force the Notre Dame offense to be methodical. If Golson is pressured within the pocket on a consistent basis, the FSU win streak will hit 23.
Jon Marchant: This game may come down to one possession, and the team with Winston and placekicker Roberto Aguayo are a tough out. It could be a game where the first team to 40 points wins. FSU has never scored less than 34 with Winston under center and I expect FSU to put up points. The question is: how many does the defense give up?
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