READY FOR WAR
Florida State football has had a ton of attention this season after its season-opening victory over Alabama. Most individuals didn't give them a chance to be competitive. The program has fallen under the radar after they took on East Texas A&M and Kent State, which are two teams that they were expected to beat handily.
The Seminoles have been preparing themselves for opening up the ACC slate against Virginia for almost a month now. This conference schedule will dictate whether they will fulfill their dreams and aspirations of making it to the College Football Playoff.
Head football coach Mike Norvell and his squad seem determined in trying to go 1-0 each week. With the matchup of arch-rival Miami looming in the distance, it can be hard not to look ahead.
VIRGINIA IS A SERIOUS TEAM
Fans became nervous after Virginia unveiled its uniforms that it will be wearing for Saturday's contest, which will be the same ones from when they defeated the Seminoles in 1995 to give Florida State its first-ever ACC loss.
The Cavaliers also have quarterback Chandler Morris, who has been around college football for quite some time with other institutions such as Oklahoma, TCU, and North Texas. Morris has recorded 1,050 passing yards and eight touchdowns through four games, so the Seminoles' defense will have to be mindful of him.
As for Florida State signal-caller Thomas Castellanos, he has wowed the nation with his play. However, he went to Charlottesville, Virginia, last year when Boston College played them in 2024. He completed 22 of his 30 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions.
Castellanos is hoping for a better performance this time around, as he mentioned that the Seminoles have the most talented roster that he has ever played him. After the Cavaliers allowed North Carolina State running back Hollywood Smothers to have 17 carries for 140 yards and two touchdowns against them, I think this should be an opportunity for Gavin Sawchuk and Ousmane Kromah.
SCORE PREDICTIONS
It is a weird Friday matchup for the Seminoles on a short week. This is a perfect slip-up opportunity for Florida State to disappoint. However, this is their chance to make a statement on a big stage as College GameDay awaits the rivalry showdown with Miami in Tallahassee next week.
Taylor Devers: 38-17 FSU
Kelvin Hunt: 45-24 FSU
Griffin Durden: 42-27 FSU
Nick Andre: 31-17 FSU