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 Nine – at N.C. State (November 5th)
Series Record: Florida State leads 26-11
For just the second time in the 2016 season, FSU football will hit the road for a game as the head to what has been a house of horrors for the team over much of the past two decades. After a stretch in October featuring maybe the three toughest games on the schedule when it’s all said and done, the ‘Noles need to remember what has taken place inside Carter-Finley Stadium.
On offense, the Wolfpack will be breaking in a new quarterback this season in Jalen McClendon. The sophomore has the size and may actually be a better runner than the previous starter, Jacoby Brissett, but enters the year with just 14 attempts and will still be trying to get things adjusted by the point. Count on much of the offensive load being given to running back Matt Dayes, who missed the last five games in 2015 with injury but when healthy is a game changer.
The front seven for the N.C. State defense is still pretty much the same from last year’s unit that finished 29th in the country. That will be a good thing, considering the secondary is almost completely new and will be ripe for the picking this season.
Knowing that fact, don’t be surprised if the Seminoles go pass heavy in this one and try to stay unbeaten through the air. With targets like Travis Rudolph and other big size players like Auden Tate and Ermon Lane, don’t be surprised if you see plenty of deep balls…also in an effort to give Dalvin Cook some rest after what should be a rough October.
On defense, the ‘Noles front seven will see a heavy dose of Dayes, but need to keep an eye out for the passing game. Having a new starter like McClendon can be worrisome since there is no idea about what he can or can’t do in a serious game situation at this point.
Key Factor
In the past nine trips to Raleigh for games against the Wolfpack, FSU football has a record of just 4-5, including losses in three of the last five games there. The ‘Noles can’t get caught up in the hype at this point of the season, especially if they are coming off a huge win over Clemson the week before.
Prediction
After a win over the Tigers the week before, FSU football should be in the drivers seat both in the ACC and, just maybe, the national polls. That target will get better on the garnet and gold uniforms, so expect the ‘Noles to play a little tight early on but pull away late. Florida State 38 N.C. State 17