FSU vs. Syracuse: Staff Predictions

FSU vs. Syracuse: Staff Predictions is your one-stop summation of what we here at ChopChat are expecting from this week’s game against the Orange.

Patrick Nohe, Editor:

Florida State still hasn’t put it together for an entire game and I don’t think that changes this weekend. It’s a long trip up to Syracuse, FSU has Notre Dame on the horizon and the team is still breaking in a new center. I don’t think the Orange offense has the firepower to beat Florida State — if things were going well offensively for the Orange they wouldn’t have just changed offensive coordinators — but I also don’t think the Seminoles light the place up on offense either. I expect FSU to pick up a quality win and get the back-ups some reps. But this won’t be 63-0 result, either.

Pick: 41-7, FSU

David Visser, Editor:

I’m not going to be shocked if FSU comes out tight yet again. Facing a homecoming crowd in a novel environment like the Carrier Dome—I think the ‘Noles are aware of their athletic superiority and may even be a bit too excited to demonstrate it, which does not always bode well for execution, the hobgoblin of the Seminoles’ recent slow starts.

But that talent gap will manifest itself eventually, and the rapidly improving defensive line play will plague the inexperienced Orange quarterbacks. I also think Mario Pender and Dalvin Cook show out nicely Saturday, and Seminoles fans get their first glimpse of John Franklin III at QB— and on turf.

Pick: 45-10, FSU

Daniel Ferreira, Staff Writer:

I expect this game to be a lot like last week’s against Wake Forest: slow and lethargic. I do, however, envision about the same results, thanks in part to Syracuse’s starting quarterback being out and the Orange being forced to play a redshirt freshman. This is another great game to get some rest for starters and get the younger players some burn. I’m predicting Mario Pender to run for 150+ yards, and for Travis Rudolph to have a big day as well.

Pick: 34-10, FSU

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Harlen Shackleford, Staff Writer:

The Seminoles march into the Carrier Dome this weekend with one of the more impressive redzone offenses in the country, ranking sixth nationally. The ‘Noles have missed just one attempt to score inside the opposition’s 20. Much of this can be contributed to FSU’s Robert Aguayo, who has been perfect when the ‘Noles have decided to settle for three.

Thus far, the Seminoles have scored 15 touchdowns and eight field goals on their 24 visits to the red zone. Syracuse is in the midst of a three-game losing streak with an offense that ranks 108th in the country in scoring offense. It would be a tough task for Syracuse to even keep this one competitive, as Jameis Winston is 42/54 with eight touchdowns and a QBR of 95.8 in games played north of D.C. during his career at Florida State.
Pick: 51-13, FSU

Griffin Wilcox, Staff Writer:

Florida State takes its first visit to New York since Syracuse joined the ACC a year ago. Last season FSU put on a clinic vs. Syracuse in Tallahassee. I think their home crowd will keep it interesting for maybe a quarter. Had the ‘Noles avoided two first-quarter turnovers a week ago vs. Wake, that game would have been over in the first quarter instead of halfway through the third. If the Seminoles can win the turnover battle in this one, it should be no different than last year. I expect FSU to win big, and even bigger if Mario Pender and Dalvin Cook find holes early and often. Florida State covers the spread.

Pick: 42-17, FSU