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FSU in the NFL: 2017 schedule for Championship Weekend

By Jason Parker

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts as he walks off the field at the conclusion of the Jacksonville Jaguars 45-42 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts as he walks off the field at the conclusion of the Jacksonville Jaguars 45-42 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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FSU football fans will have plenty to root for in the coming days as dozens of former Noles take the field for NFL teams in Championship Weekend.

Just like college football and college basketball, the NFL is down to its Final Four this weekend as the last teams left standing fight for the two berths in Super Bowl 52, being played this season in that beautiful and tropical destination known as – Minneapolis, Minnesota? While most FSU fans would like it to be closer, it will feel like Tallahassee from the number of Noles that will be there.

It will also continue a recent streak as the Seminoles are guaranteed a sixth straight Pro Football Championship Game in which someone who wore the garnet and gold at one point is playing in that game. With Minnesota and Philadelphia in the NFC title game each having at least one former Nole on their roster, we know we will have at least one player to root for on February 4th.

Meanwhile, the AFC title game is a showdown between the team that always seems to be playing for a title – the New England Patriots, playing in their seventh straight conference title game – against the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars, led by two of the best young former FSU stars.

Here is a look at the schedule for games during the Championship Weekend of the 2017 NFL season and where you can catch the action at home.

AFC Championship Game

Jacksonville at New England (3 PM)

Television: CBS

Jacksonville Jaguars – LB Telvin Smith, DB Jalen Ramsey

For the third time in their franchise history, the men from Duval County will be playing for a chance to get to the Super Bowl – and for the second time, it will be against the franchise that has won more than anyone else over the last two decades.

Of course, and this might be biased but its also true, the Jags wouldn’t be in the spot they are without the play of former FSU stars Jalen Ramsey and Telvin Smith. Ramsey has been a shutdown corner this postseason, sealing the Buffalo win and being nearly unstoppable against Pittsburgh – while Smith’s scoop and score against the Steelers turned out to be the difference in the win.

NFC Championship Game

Minnesota at Philadelphia (6:30 PM)

Television: FOX

Minnesota Vikings – CB Xavier Rhodes

Philadelphia Eagles – LB Nigel Bradham, DT Timmy Jernigan, CB Patrick Robinson, CB Ronald Darby

It’ going to be a mini reunion inside Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday night with the Vikings looking to become the first team to play in a Super Bowl inside their home stadium. If the men in purple want a shot at that feat, the play of Rhodes is going to be crucial as he has been the anchor to a secondary that is one of the top two in the NFL this season.

Next: NFL title games show defensive dominance of Noles

The Eagles, meanwhile, are the top seed but have shown they are human on offense after the season ending injury to Carson Wentz. Fortunately, they have a rock sold defense that is anchored by three starting former FSU stars – including leading tackler Bradham and shutdown corner Darby – to go along with Robinson, who actually leads the team in interceptions.

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