FSU’s Match-ups to Watch in October

After a perfect month of September, Florida State enters the month of October ranked first in the AP Poll and on a 20-game winning streak. The Seminoles have not been nearly as dominant as many anticipated, but FSU has made the plays necessary to stay unbeaten. As the middle of the season nears, Florida State is hoping to peak and make a run at a second straight national championship. With four games scheduled for October, here are the individual match-ups to watch in each contest:

Wake Forest at Florida State — October 4th
Match-up to Watch: FSU vs. Complacency
After two straight come-from-behind victories, Florida State looks to have a largely over-matched opponent in Wake Forest. Wake Forest will enter the game with a record of 2-3 with its only FBS win coming by three points over Army. The Demon Deacons however, have played Florida State tough in the past, winning four of the last eight meetings. If the Seminoles come out focused in this one, starters shouldn’t see much action in the second half.

Florida State at Syracuse — October 11th
Match-up to Watch: FSU vs. Looking ahead
Against a Syracuse team that has been somewhat of a disappointment early on, Florida State must avoid looking ahead to a potential top 10 match-up against Notre Dame. Though Syracuse has not been impressive thus far in 2014, the Carrier Dome has never been an easy place for opposing teams to play. The noon kickoff may also make it more difficult for Florida State to get up for this conest.

Notre Dame at Florida State — October 18th
Match-up to Watch: Jameis Winston vs. Everett Golson
Should Florida State and Notre Dame each take care of business in the two weeks to come, the highly-anticipated match-up in Tallahassee on October 18th will feature two quarterbacks that have combined for more national championship appearances than losses. Neither Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston nor Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson has ever lost a start in the regular season. With the loss of two of Florida State’s top three receivers, Winston has had to do more for Florida State in 2014. After missing 2013 to a suspension, Golson has evolved into a leader and a playmaker under center for the Fighting Irish. The quarterback that plays best in this one will likely earn his team the victory and have his squad in line for a spot in the first College Football Playoff.

Florida State at Louisville — October 30th
Match-up to Watch: FSU secondary vs. Louisville wide receivers
From the time of the 2014 schedule’s release, Florida State’s Thursday night trip to Louisville on the eve of Halloween has served as a scare to Seminole fans. What could make the contest even scarier for FSU is that the Cardinals could have standout wide receiver DeVante Parker back from a foot injury. Parker at 6’3″ and 210 pounds is a tough cover for even the stingiest of secondaries and in his absence, James Quick has emerged as big play threat. Quick is averaging 16 yards-per-catch and with both in the lineup, Louisville could find a way to stretch the field against the talented Florida State secondary.