Florida State vs. Notre Dame Preview

Florida State vs. Notre Dame Preview

Finally, the time is upon us. The Florida State Seminoles will host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish this Saturday under the lights at Doak Campbell Stadium. Number two versus number five. The ‘Noles lead the series between these two teams 5-2. With just six undefeated teams left in the country, this Gameday showdown between top five teams will have the eyes of the nation upon it.

1993: A Brief History

There is no shortage of history between these two teams. In 1993 Notre Dame claimed a 31-24 victory against the Seminoles in South Bend. The ‘Noles took care of business the rest of the season. Coming into the final week of the regular season both teams were among the nation’s elite in college football. They say it’s always the punch you don’t see coming that gets you. This couldn’t have been truer for Notre Dame as they were shocked by a 41-39 setback at the hands of Boston College in the final week of the regular season. Enter Notre Dame’s bitterness toward Florida State here.

After the dust of the final week of the regular season settled, the Seminoles found themselves as the top team in the land. Sliding in behind them was Nebraska. And for Notre Dame, a date with Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl was set. Many Notre Dame faithful felt that because the Irish had triumphed over FSU earlier in the season they should get the nod ahead of the Seminoles. The pollsters didn’t see it this way. Ultimately, the ‘Noles would beat Nebraska to finish as the number one team in the land. Coming in at number two behind FSU was Notre Dame. The Irish would finish just one spot shy of being crowned the national champions that year despite their victory over the top ranked ‘Noles.

When the ‘Noles have the Ball:

Jameis Winston recorded one of his more impressive outings of the season this past weekend against the Syracuse Orange as he went 30/36 for 317 yards and three touchdowns. Another huge performance will be critical this weekend as FSU should seemingly have trouble running against a stout Notre Dame run defense that is giving up just 110 yards per game. Notre Dame is surrendering an average of 11 yards per completion and 237 yards per game through the air.

This bodes well for the duo that is Jameis Winston and Rashad Greene. The success that this tandem has may very well dictate the outcome of the game as Rashad Greene has unquestionably been Winston’s number one target all season long. While relying on Greene isn’t a problem, Winston should be careful not get locked on to Greene, as Notre Dame checks in at eighth in the country in interceptions gained. The Irish have ten picks on the season.

Having an extremely accurate quarterback when it comes to the short yardage passing game has been FSU’s bread and butter this season. This was more notably displayed last weekend against Syracuse, as Winston completed screen plays to both Rashad Greene and Travis Rudolph for big gains. FSU’s success running the ball with a healthy Karlos Williams will have some implication as to just how much Florida State will be able to rely on the screen play’s success in this one. If FSU can force Notre Dame to respect the run, it opens up that many more options for the Seminoles’ arsenal on offense.

When the Irish have the Ball:

The Fighting Irish have only played one road game so far this season against Syracuse. This game was actually a neutral site contest at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Notre Dame had five turnovers in that game alone. The ‘Noles present Notre Dame with their first true road test at the opposition’s hostile stadium.

One thing Notre Dame has been able to hang its hat on this season is its redzone efficiency on offense. It is just behind Florida State, statistically. Notre Dame has scored on 25 of its 28 possessions in the redzone compared to FSU’s 28 of 29 attempts. FSU will need a big game from leading tacklers Reggie Northrup and Terrance Smith if it hopes to slow down this potent Notre Dame attack. Stopping wideout William Fuller will be just as critical as containing Everett Golson. Fuller leads the team in receiving yards, receptions, and receiving touchdowns, as seen below.

William Fuller 2014 stats:

Final Thoughts

Quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Everett Golson have a combined record of 35-1 as starters behind center at their respective colleges. Both players know what it means to be a leader and have proven it time and time again. This primetime matchup may very well be decided by whichever team makes the fewest critical mistakes. Edge: Florida State. A sold out Doak Campbell Stadium promises to be very loud and disruptive for Everett Golson, who single handedly has a whopping nine turnovers in his past three games behind center.