FSU FOOTBALL READY TO PLAY STANFORD
Florida State football is in a bit of a crisis, after they have three straight losses to Virginia, Miami, and Pittsburgh. The hope that they had after the Alabama season-opening win is probably gone at this point in time.
However, head football coach Mike Norvell and his coaching staff talk about responding to adversity, and it is about time that they let their actions speak louder than words, as they travel to Stanford in what is a pivotal game for the Seminoles.
The words "pivotal" and "Stanford" should never go together, and I even feel gross in saying that because the Week 1 victory over Alabama had everyone thinking that the Seminoles were serious College Football Playoff contenders. Even though Florida State could still be a 7/8 win football team, it is disappointing with how they closed to the midway point of the year.
ANALYSIS
Here's what everyone has been waiting for. There is nothing like a 10:30 PM Eastern time kickoff against the Cardinal to get your blood boiling. Hopefully, this will be a joyful experience to stay up past 1:30 in the morning, and fans can go to their local 24-hour Waffle House to celebrate with coffee and some waffles.
This matchup on paper doesn't look that difficult for the Seminoles, as quarterback Ben Gulbranson has not been that effective. That means that Florida State will try to make him the second coming of Dan Marino, with starting cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls out for this game.
This is a Cardinal defense that has been suspect against the pass, where they are allowing 418.3 yards per game (113th in the FBS) and 303.7 passing yards per game. This should mean good news for offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, quarterback Thomas Castellanos, and this offensive effort.
Overall, this is a Stanford team that Florida State should not have any problems with. The fan base should be going to bed a little early as the Seminoles handle their business in the second half.
SCORE PREDICTIONS
Taylor Devers: 38-20 FSU
Kelvin Hunt: 31-20 FSU
Nick Andre: 33-27 FSU
Griffin Durden: 42-24 FSU
Michael Wilson: 41-17 FSU