Score prediction/analysis for Florida State versus California

Florida State football welcomes California to the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium at 7 PM EST on ESPN2. The Seminoles are trying to get their season back on the right track as they suffered losses to Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Memphis.

This 2024 campaign has not been how most individuals expected it to happen unless you pray on Florida State's downfall like ESPN's Paul Finebaum and Greg McElroy (joking... kind of).

This Florida State squad was coming off a successful 2023 season, where they accomplished an undefeated regular season and a conference championship. However, the 2024 version contains several newcomers on the roster that have yet to make an impact.

It has been so horrific that the under already cashed on the Seminoles' 9.5 over/under win total for the preseason. Many fans want to blame the struggles on quarterback transfer DJ Uiagalelei. While he has not performed well, many aspects of this team have underperformed. However, Uiagalelei plays one of the more pivotal positions on the field and is often labeled as a scapegoat for the university.

The running game, wide receivers, offensive line, pass rushers, and linebackers, when it comes to communication, have all underperformed. It is a team effort when the struggles happen.

Overall, head football coach Mike Norvell talks about the team's ability to respond to adversity. What will the squad do when their backs are against the wall?

We now enter another week of picks from the ChopChat staff. Unfortunately, just like this football team, we are a combined 0-12 when it comes to our picks (yikes!). Let's see if we can improve this week!

Taylor Devers: 24-17 Cal (I am disgusted)

Kelvin Hunt: 24-17 FSU

Nick Andre: 27-17 FSU

Leslie Johnson: 21-10 Cal

The ChopChat staff is at a split decision for this week. I think this Florida State football team can beat California even though they defeated Auburn on the road a few weeks ago. This Golden Bears squad isn't anything special. However, I worry about the health of the Seminoles' two starting offensive tackles: Darius Washington and Jeremiah Byers.

If they don't play, things could get ugly for an offense with so many questions. Trust me, I am hoping for the best, and I pray that my pick jinxed California from winning the football game.