FSU Football 2016 Preseason Preview: Game 11 at Syracuse
By Jason Parker
Here is a look at how the 2016 season will play out for FSU football with our game preview and prediction.
As we get closer and closer to the 2016 season kicking off in the world of college football, FSU football is preparing for their spot as one of the teams that will compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff when the regular season is over. The Seminoles will have their work cut out for them, with eight games against teams that went to bowl games in 2015 (including six of their first eight opponents) as well as one team that made a run in the FCS playoffs last season.
While it starts and ends with SEC opponents in the Sunshine State (two of the nine games being played in the state of Florida this season for FSU football), there are plenty of challenges in between and potential road blocks that could keep the ‘Noles from winning the fourth national title in program history.
How will the ‘Noles fare this season when they take the field for the 12 games currently on their schedule? Is there a team that will come out on top and keep FSU football from being perfect in a season of such hope? Here’s our look at how the Seminoles will do in the regular season in 2016.
Game Eleven – at Syracuse (November 19th)
Series Record: Florida State leads 8-1
For the third and final time in the regular season, the ‘Noles are on the road as the conclude ACC play with one of the league’s newer members. Since joining the conference, the Orange hasn’t been much of a problem for FSU football, but by this point on the schedule anything is possible and no one can be over looked.
With new head coach Dino Babers bringing in a high powered, fast paced offense into Western New York, it is going to take a while for the team to get adjusted to something different. A good sign is that quarterback Eric Dungey and wide receiver Eric Ishmael are the type of players you want for it…but the offensive line’s lack of depth and experience will keep things interesting this season.
The defense is switching their look this year as well, going more Tampa-2 to capitalize on the fact that, while the front four on the line are going to need time to gel, the linebackers and secondary could legitimately be as good as many other units in the entire conference.
Last season, the ‘Noles were shorthanded when they played against the Orange as Dalvin Cook sat out with a hamstring injury. It became somewhat of a coming out party for players like Sean Maguire, Jacques Patrick and Travis Rudolph. With those stars fresh in the Orange’s memory, adding Cook this year could create plenty of nightmares.
On defense, expect DeMarcus Walker, Josh Sweat, Demarcus Christmas and more to have a field day with that makeshift offensive line. The secondary will have to keep an eye on Ishmael because, quite frankly, he’s all they’ve got.
Key Factor
Syracuse may be the toughest team on the schedule to figure out for the fact they are so unknown. Babers’ team has the talent to be in the running for the ACC, but at the same time has had the execution to make you think they will be fighting Wake Forest for last place in the Atlantic Division. For that fact, they are a dangerous team.
Prediction
By this point in these predictions, we have the Seminoles still unbeaten and having already clinched the Atlantic Division the week before. With the season finale coming up against a hated rival, this is going to be a yawner of a game with Jimbo Fisher not wanting to risk too much or tempt fate. Florida State 34 Syracuse 7