Florida State football has had an up-and-down season in 2025, where they defeated the likes of Alabama in the opener, but then lost to an underwhelming Stanford squad on the road.
The victory over the Crimson Tide seem to put unreasonable expectations on the program that they realistically could not achieve. However, in the offseason, many around the program thought that this would be a 7/8 win football team.
Florida State is sitting at 5-5 with games against North Carolina State and Florida remaining. The problem is that the Seminoles have not won a road game since the 2023 meeting against the arch-rival Gators. Plus, playing in Raleigh always seems to give Florida State fans and teams nightmares.
COULD FSU EXPLOIT NC STATE?
Quarterback Thomas Castellanos has not been at his best this season. After his controlled performance versus Alabama, the thought was that the reunion with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn would be a success.
However, the former UCF and Boston College transfer suffered an injury in the Kent State, which hampered his ability to utilize his legs to extend plays downfield. The offense has been inconsistent all year, but they have still found a way to average over 200 rushing yards per game.
North Carolina State just got their doors blown off by the arch-rival Miami Hurricanes by a score of 41-7. This could be a spot where they play the "wounded animal" role as they travel back to Carter-Finley Stadium.
This will be important for Castellanos to have success in the passing game against the Wolfpack because they have allowed 299.9 passing yards per game (last in the FBS), according to ESPN Stats and Information. Castellanos has not eclipsed over 272 passing yards in a contest all year, but this might be the week that the over hits.