FSU Football 2016 Preseason Preview: Game 12 vs. Florida

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 Twelve – vs. Florida (November 26^th)

Series Record: Florida Leads 34-24-2

What was once one of the best rivalries in college football has taken a step back of late, as FSU football has won five of the last six meetings by an average of 20 points a game (including wins by 24, 30 and 25 in that group). Still, it’s the Seminoles and the Gators, which means records, standings and title placement don’t matter.

At the risk of offending our “friends” down in Gainesville, how they won 10 games last season in head coach Jim McElwain’s first season is beyond us. While it came back to earth in scoring just 24 points the last three games (losses to FSU, Alabama and Michigan), the Gators were struggling to get things done last year. After the Treon Harris experience seems to be over, Luke Del Rio will likely step in and be the starter. He will be tasked with rebuilding the passing game, while JuCo running back Mark Thompson will be the man replacing Kelvin Taylor in the backfield.

The reason the Gators won 10 games and the SEC East last year? A stacked defense that lost several stars (Veron Hargreaves III and Keanu Neal, for example) but still has maybe the best secondary in the entire country with Jalen Tabor and Marcus Maye returning. If Florida can get their pass rush anywhere near 2015’s group with these new starters, the Gators could make it back to Atlanta in spite of their offense.

Last season, the ‘Noles offense did all the scoring in their 27-2 win, including giving up a safety late to lose the shutout. Dalvin Cook was able to go for over 180 yards against that amazing front seven, so imagine what he’ll do against a rebuilding group. Much of the game will rest on his legs, because the Florida secondary will likely keep the ‘Noles in check when it comes to the pass.

As for the defense, you can’t help but think that coordinator Charles Kelly is licking his chops after seeing what last year was like. Both DeMarcus Walker and Derwin James became national names due to their performance, so it will be fun to see who is the next person to star against that horrendous offense.

Key Factor

Despite all the other things written here, one of the best things about college football is the rivalry game factor. It’s better than in any other sport, and it’s the reason anything can happen here. FSU football is likely going to be the favorite heading into this game, so they need to remember what got them to this point, but keep their heads on a swivel.

Predictions

There is one game that stands in the way of perfection for the ‘Noles and a shot at the national title. The Gators have done it before and are fully capable of doing it again because of what is written above. Still, this is FSU’s year and the Seminoles head into the postseason as one of the last teams standing without a loss. Florida State 27 Florida 17