“Wake” Is Not Just a Pun
As touched on here on Chopchat by our own Kelvin Hunt, the fans seem to care more about this stretch than the players do. You see, back at the time of the 30-0 loss, the players on FSU’s roster wanted to be here. Sure, some had NFL aspirations and their own motives, but they cared. In this new era, it is tough to build cohesion and buy-in when things are not going well. All you have to do is go back to last and the DJ “Disaster.”
Florida State announced that Mike Norvell and the program at large will receive a full evaluation after this season. The evaluation is done. Per Robby Kalland of CBS Sports, is $53.3 million paid in full or monthly through 2031. That does not account for the money required to bring in new staff. That is what is being evaluated. FSU cannot be cheap at this stage, no matter how much it will hurt.
The Moment of Truth
Jake Dickert came into Winston Salem this season 23-20 record established in the Palouse of Pullman, Washington. He has Wake Forest a missed offsides away from being 6-1 and in ACC title contention. Due to Robbie Ashford’s injury, Deshawn Purdie has played in relief, completing 52% of his passes with five touchdowns and 2 interceptions. I would not classify Wake Forest as a measuring stick, but coming off a loss to Stanford, anything would qualify at this point.
They only allow 18.9 points per game, which is good for the Top 30 in the nation according to ncaa.com/stats. Wake Forest can be had in the red zone. They give up points in 85% of their defensive red zone trips. Conversely, FSU scores 88% of its offensive redzone trips. Additionally, Wake is flying high off a win versus SMU, which was the Mustangs' first loss since joining the ACC.
The Final Spear
Did the bye week help? Have the players stopped laughing at Norvell, or are they just laughing to the bank and finishing their exit strategies? First things first, Florida State needs to get Tommy Castellanos back out on the field. I have hopes for Kevin Sperry if he gets the start, but of course, you just never know until the plan is in execution. Nick Anderson and Langston Hardy will be anxious if they see the inexperienced quarterback, so if there is a game, I would want Tommy back for this one.
Wake does two things well that are at the heart of FSU’s issues. They run the ball well and stop the run better, possibly. While FSU is sixth in the nation in rushing yards per game, balance must be achieved, or Wake will just sell out. The Seminoles still have time to rally, Wake Forest will be ready, and this is a Wake Up Call the Noles cannot afford to miss.
For more College Football Analysis Michael can be found on the Sports Reports as Ordered Podcast on YouTube, X, TikTok, and all DSPs.