Seminoles Still Have a Chance to Become Bowl Eligible
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The Florida
State Seminoles (3-4), after a heartbreaking 43-35 loss in double-overtime to
their arch-rival Miami Hurricanes (6-0) on Saturday night, get to enjoy a much-needed
bye week.
With that
loss, the Seminoles are now 0-12 in road games since the beginning of the 2024
season. Further, Florida State is now 10-21 under Mike Norvell since their 13-1
season in 2023.
With five
games left on their schedule, we take a look at those teams and how the
Seminoles could finish the season.
Clemson
(Oct. 31)
The Tigers
have fallen from the graces of the college football elite over the last season
and a half.
Clemson
(4-2) coach Dabo Swinney has burned through four quarterbacks, trying to light
a fire under a stagnant offense that ranks near the bottom of the ACC.
As a team,
Clemson has thrown just two touchdown passes.
QB Tait
Reynolds has seen the most action this season with 943 yards, one touchdown,
and three interceptions.
Florida
State is 1-4 against Clemson under Norvell. The Seminoles have not beaten
Clemson in Tallahassee since 2014.
However, Florida
State is due, and Clemson this season is not the same team that won 10+ games for
12 years straight.
Result:
Win
at
Boston College (Nov. 7)
The Eagles
are centered around quarterback Mason McKenzie, who is team’s leading passer
and rusher. McKenzie has accounted for 1,706 total yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven
interceptions.
Boston
College (3-3) is coming off a 27-21 win over Pittsburgh. The Eagles beat Florida
State last season in Tallahassee 28-13. The Seminoles are 0-2 against Boston
College on the road.
Result:
Win
at
Pittsburgh (Friday, Nov. 13)
The
Panthers (5-2), with inexperienced quarterback play, are currently on a
two-game losing streak after defeats to North Carolina and Boston College.
Pitt’s
starting quarterback, Mason Heintschel, went down with an injury to his right
leg in the Virginia Tech game.
At the
time of his injury, Heintschel had thrown 14 TD passes and only one INT.
The
Panthers’ defense is good, and leads the ACC in rushing defense and
interceptions.
However,
with a revolving door at quarterback, Pitt’s season could implode. The
Seminoles might catch the Panthers at the right time for another road win.
Result:
Win
NC
State (Nov. 21)
The
Wolfpack (3-3) started off the season with a loss to Virginia. Two weeks later,
the fumble by quarterback CJ Bailey on an attempted safety cost them a victory
against Vanderbilt.
The team
is in disarray with injuries and an angry fan base calling for head coach Dave
Doeren to be fired.
Result:
Win
Florida (Nov. 27)
Another
bitter in-state rival, the No. 20 Florida Gators (5-2) have turned the program around under
first-year head coach Jon Sumrall. Florida already has two ranked wins this
season over Ole Miss and Texas.
Running
back Jadan Baugh leads the SEC in rushing touchdowns with 13.
Florida
State has won three of the last five meetings in Tallahassee.
Result:
Loss
Season
Prediction: 7-5
Florida
State battled Miami to the wire on Saturday night. It was their best game of
the season, and their confidence has to be through the roof.
The
Seminoles have the talent, but questionable play calls over the last two weeks
have plagued Florida State. Four downs inside the 5-yard line have been their
nemesis.
The
Seminoles suffered the loss of star running back Ousmane Kromah to a fractured
ankle on Saturday night. They still have quarterback Ashton Daniels and running
back Tre Wisner to run the ball.
As a
result, Norvell and the Seminoles may have to adjust their offensive game plan.
The
Seminoles are capable of winning the games listed above, and could be catching
those teams at the right moment.
This bye week
comes at the right time. Norvell and the Seminoles need to take advantage of it
and get their mindset right for the stretch run.
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