ChopChat’s FSU vs. Oregon Staff Predictions
By David Visser
We’re a little more than 24 hours from the beginning of the first-ever College Football Playoff, which will commence with Thursday’s FSU vs. Oregon Rose Bowl matchup. As we have all season, our ChopChat staff has assembled its own collections of score predictions, along with some thoughts on how this one plays out.
Patrik Nohe, Editor
Call me crazy, but I think a month to get healthy, self-scout and prepare for Oregon will give FSU an edge in this one. The Seminoles haven’t played up to potential all year, but against Oregon — with the entire country against them — I think the ‘Noles will put in their best effort yet. This one will be tight at first, but FSU will pull away late thanks to Jameis Winston and a secondary that will be looking to make a statement.
Pick: 38-28, FSU
David Visser, Editor
This game could well play out a lot like the ACC Championship– minus the triple option, of course. In that one, possessions without a score really hurt the team coming away empty handed, as the offenses had their way. I like the ‘Noles here because FSU’s defense, while nowhere near the unit it was last year, has nevertheless found a way to make enough plays, especially as the game wears on. Florida State also had the luxury of using John Franklin III to simulate Marcus Mariota– but nobody can really mimic Winston, who I think can do some serious damage against the Ducks’ 105th-ranked pass defense.
Pick: 37-30
Daniel Ferreira, Contributor
Alright guys. It’s finally here. DUCK SEASON! For some odd reason, I feel more confident than any other game this season. The time to get healthy and rested is just what the doctor ordered for these ‘Noles, and that’s a big reason for my confidence in this one. I also think the offense plays its best game so far this season. As long as the ‘Noles don’t go down two-scores early, I have little doubt that they win. I’m also not sold that this game is a high-scoring affair. Oregon vs. Auburn in 2010 was a low-scoring affair that featured two teams that relied on their offense all season. My match-up to watch in this one is the defensive line vs. the Oregon offensive line.
Pick: 27-20, FSU
Harlen Shackleford, Contributor
Writers, analysts, and fans alike have had over three weeks to try to crack the nut that is this football game. That said, it’s time for the two squads to square off on the gridiron at the Rose Bowl. The resilient ‘Noles are as healthy for this game as they’ve been all season. To this point, there is a high likelihood that defensive tackle Nile Lawrence-Stample will be in the rotation against the Ducks. If Lawrence-Stample can play to his full potential, the 6’1″ 314 pounder’s difference-making ability will be the key to the game. This game will fit the bill with the two high-powered offenses flying down the field. A disruption in the backfield forced by a physical defense could alter the outcome of the game on Thursday, though. Edge, Florida State.
Pick: 44-38, FSU
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Griffin Wilcox, Contributor
Here it is… Heisman vs. Heisman in one half of the inaugural CFB Playoff semi-final. Personally, I think Mariota is a great player who can throw the ball on the run better than any quarterback in college football. But the fact that Jameis Winston has not lost a game ever at Florida State makes it hard for me to pick against him and the ‘Noles. Oh, and Fisher is 4-0 in bowl games as the head coach of the Seminoles. This is going to be a fun one. I’ve got the Seminoles in yet another close one.
Pick: 45-41, FSU