Florida State remains No. 1 in the polls almost by default, but it’ll need to put together stronger performances down the stretch to stay that way. The Seminoles travel to face Syracuse Saturday in a game which they should win handily but could provide some matchup problems.
How to watch Florida State vs. Syracuse: Game guide, TV schedule, streaming, odds
Can the Orange use NC State’s blueprint to pull off the upset?
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Florida State’s 43-3 win over Wake Forest last week was its first comfortable victory over FBS competition this season, but it wasn’t always comfortable. The Seminoles trailed 3-0 early against the Demon Deacons, only taking a 10-3 lead 63 seconds before the end of the first half. A number of injuries forced Florida State’s true freshmen to play larger than expected roles in game, and the talented group will likely see time again. Games against Clemson, Oklahoma State and NC State were much closer, casting doubt over the team’s ability to repeat last season’s national title.
Syracuse might not look like the team to upset the Seminoles, but its strong power running game may have the ability to mimic NC State's successful game plan earlier in the season and keep it close. The Orange are averaging 197.8 rushing yards per game, with a trio of talented runners despite their current three-game losing streak. The passing game is struggling, and Syracuse may go with a two-quarterback system after an injury to Terrel Hunt.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 12 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Online streaming: WatchESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: Florida State is ranked No. 1 in both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll. Syracuse is not ranked in either poll. The Seminoles are 5-0, with a 3-0 ACC record placing them on top of the Atlantic Division. The Orange are 2-3, with an 0-1 record in conference play tying them for fourth. Florida State holds the 6-1 lead in the all-time series, winning the last six games between the two schools.
Vegas: Florida State opened as a 20-point favorite, and the line has since moved to 24. The over/under is set at 53.5.
Weather forecast: It’s in a dome.
Two things at stake
Florida State continues to slide down the computer polls with less than impressive performances. A blowout win from start to finish over Syracuse could help its stock begin to recover.
The Orange’s bowl chances are fading fast. A win over the Seminoles would be historic for the program as well as help salvage Scott Shafer’s second season.
One big matchup
Syracuse power running vs. Florida State defensive front. The Orange are averaging 5.2 yards per carry this season, helping make up for what has been a pretty woeful season through the air (6.4 yards per attempt, two passing touchdowns against four interceptions). They're led by a trio of runners each averaging more than 6.0 yards per carry -- but with quarterback Terrel Hunt (6'3, 234 pounds) out, running back Prince-Tyson Gulley (5'8, 193 pounds) and running back Adonis Ameen-Moore (5'11, 234 pounds) will lead the way.
The Seminoles' one true weakness this season has been at nose guard. Timmy Jernigan's replacement was Nile Lawrence-Stample, but an injury cut his season short and has caused some problems for Florida State when it comes to stopping the run. That's left struggling junior Derrick Mitchell Jr. (five tackles, one quarterback hurry) as the man in the middle, and the Seminoles' near loss to NC State was in large part due to their inability to stop the Wolfpack on the ground. Ameen-Moore in particular could pose issues for the Seminoles due to the size he brings to the backfield.
Further reading
For full coverage of Florida State, head over to Tomahawk Nation. For more on Syracuse, check out Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician.
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