If the Noles cannot win this game, nothing else matters.
Looking at Florida State's 2026 football schedule either brings optimism or is viewed as a nightmare. There is very little nuance in between. It starts with New Mexico State. I do not want to be presumptuous, but I will put that in the W column.
Then the next week, business picks up as SMU comes to Tallahassee for the Labor Day Night game. Having attended the game in Dallas two years ago, I hope the Noles come out to seek and destroy. The disrespect, the throwing of objects, and the overall performance were that of a Florida State that I did not recognize. Above all else, though, this game serves as the conference opener. The national spotlight brings an opportunity for a massive statement.
Next comes a 12-day rest to prepare for a trip to Tuscaloosa. I am certain Alabama has heard the noise questioning their credentials as a playoff team last season due to their season-opening loss in Tallahassee, which brought their credibility into question. I am not hopeful for a win in this spot as of today, but then again, I did not have the matchup last season playing out the way it did. Bryant-Denny Stadium will be rocking, and the Crimson Tide will be looking to roll.
Virginia comes calling two weeks after the Alabama game. I do not need to explain why this is a revenge spot. All the hoopla around 1995 in the air, and in 30 years, they will be talking about 2025. This is 2026, and this is Doak Campbell Stadium. A loss here would be devastating, with a chance at a potential 2-0 ACC start, but...
This Louisville game will be for all the marbles
Louisville is where I draw the line. Not only will this be a formidable opponent, but it is the ACC road opener. November 23, 2023. That is the last time Florida State won a road game. It was in the Swamp, so there's that at least. Using the probability of winning in Tuscaloosa brings this game into focus. Oh, and it is a Friday night game. So was last year's aforementioned game at Virginia. I am sure Coach Norvell understands this.
The importance of this game may be what comes after. A trip to Miami will be on deck before a bye week and a home matchup with Clemson. Louisville and Issac Brown and his 8.8 yards per carry are back, per ESPN. He may be at worst the third-best running back in the ACC. This is a team that is unafraid.
The Cardinals went into Hard Rock last year and beat the Canes, and Jeff Brohm's as an underdog is the worst kind of Jeff Brohm to play. Chris Bell, the game breaker, who is underrated because he played Louisville, may be gone, but enter wide receiver Lawayne McCoy. I know Florida State fans are familiar with his talent. Their edge rushers and linebackers could give insight into how the Miami matchup will play out. This is especially as FSU will have a new quarterback this season, again.
The Final Spear
A team like Florida State cannot take anyone lightly. They are in the worst place a team could be, though. The name Florida State comes with being one of the biggest brands in college football and provides a chance to show out in front of scouts. Conversely, they have been so bad lately that teams no longer respect that name and expect to win. After losing to Stanford... Louisville will be amped up and ready on October 9. The Seminoles better meet the moment if they want to control their destiny.
For more Sports Analysis, Michael can be found on the Sports Reports as Ordered Podcast on YouTube/DSPs and at authory.com.