CFB Playoff Week 16 Preview and What These Games Mean for the ‘Noles

ACC Championship Game: #4 Florida State vs. #11 Georgia Tech

Oct 30, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) catches a pass and runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John

It is very easy, Seminoles: pull off your 29th-straight win, 3rd straight ACC Championship, and you will make it into the playoff at #4, barring any upsets. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. Georgia Tech statistically matches up well against Florida State’s weaknesses– better than any other team in the country would.

The Yellow Jackets are tremendous at staying on the field, converting 57.4% of their 3rd downs, thus inking the clock and presenting their opponents with very limited possessions. The Jackets are tremendous at running the ball as well, averaging 333 yards per game good for 4th in the country, and it’s no mystery the ‘Noles have struggled with stopping the run game, allowing 145 yards per game, which is good for 43rd in the country. Like I said, this is a match-up nightmare for the Seminoles, but I just can’t bring myself to think they will lose– because why should I?

Every time I thought they were down for the count, they kicked out on a 2-count and ended up winning the game. Sure it’s not pretty when they do it, but a win Saturday should guarantee a spot in the inaugural CFB Playoff, and what other form of momentum do you need? Georgia Tech will try to milk the clock and keep Jameis Winston off the field. But Florida State’s run game has started to peak at the perfect time and the ‘Noles can do the same exact thing.

If Florida State can capitalize on its 8-10 offensive possessions in this game, score touchdowns instead of field goals, and win the turnover battle, Florida State can have this game won before the final two minutes of the 4th quarter. Will that happen? No, probably not. Either way, the Seminoles will win their 29th straight game, and 3rd straight ACC Championship game. See you January 1st, Alabama.

Florida State- 34 Georgia Tech- 30

What does this mean for the ‘Noles? A playoff berth is all but clinched. Against whom and as what seed we will never be able to forecast with this awfully inconsistent playoff committee, but the ‘Noles are in.