FSU Football 2016 Preseason Preview: Game 7 vs. Wake Forest

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 Seven – vs. Wake Forest (October 15^th)

Series Record: Florida State leads 27-6-1

After back-to-back games against ACC Coastal foes that could derail the ‘Noles, FSU returns home and takes on a Demon Deacons team that, quite frankly, isn’t that good and on paper shouldn’t be much of a challenge. That being said, the same thing was said last year and Wake Forest came up one possession short of pulling off the upset, so that’s why games aren’t played on paper.

The biggest problem for Wake Forest hasn’t been the inability to have talented players, because they do (quarterback John Walford and running back Tyler Bell are just two of the names that come to mind). The problem has been the horrendous offense that gave up the second most sacks in the FBS last season, with two of them coming at the hands of the ‘Noles. The defensive line returns all four starters and should keep them in games, while the linebacker room is looking to reload after losing two starters from last year’s team along with a young secondary.

That rebuilding defense screams a field day for the Seminoles and an offense that should be in prime shape to start the second half of the regular season. Last year, Dalvin Cook left the game after just two carries (including a 94 yard touchdown), so it’s going to be interesting to see what he can do along with the passing game taking advantage of such a young secondary.

As for the defense, this is the perfect game considering they are coming off a stretch of tough challenges in every form in the first half, then they get basically two bye weeks before the epic game against Clemson.

Key Factor

We’ve said it other times through this series, but FSU football is the ones who need to make sure they don’t beat themselves in this game. Prior to last year’s 24-16 win, the ‘Noles had beaten Wake Forest 154-6 in the previous three meetings, so the Seminoles have to watch out and not be looking at other October games and ignoring this one.

Prediction

So far this season, the Seminoles have stayed perfect and have done their job when it comes to not playing down to their competition. It’s impossible to not think that Fisher wouldn’t’ take advantage of this game and the upcoming bye week before the Clemson game to get the team healthy for that showdown. Florida State 38 Wake Forest 13