Could this be a trap game for Florida State? The Seminoles are fresh off a close win over Louisville and have a road trip at Miami to look forward to next week, but first they play host to a Virginia team in full free-fall mode.
How to watch Virginia vs. Florida State: Game guide, TV schedule, streaming, odds
Can the Cavaliers knock off the Seminoles and save Mike London’s job?
The Seminoles remain undefeated since the 2012 season, but the last time they played Virginia, in 2011, they lost. On paper, this looks like a team Florida State should defeat with no problem, but the ‘Noles have had trouble with unranked opponents previously this season in Oklahoma State and NC State. Both games were notably on the road.
Virginia offers an interesting matchup with Florida State if only due to the amount of talent Mike London has been able to bring in from Virginia Beach. The Cavaliers have blue-chippers organized in all the right places, namely the secondary and offensive line, but have been unable to put it together this season, which could be London’s last if they don’t make a bowl. Virginia nearly pulled off a big upset over UCLA in Week 1 and beat Louisville two weeks later, but three straight losses to Duke, North Carolina and Georgia Tech have the Cavs’ postseason hopes significantly diminished.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 6:30 p.m. ET.
TV: ESPN.
Online streaming: WatchESPN.
Our blogs on these schools
The numbers
Rankings and records: Florida State is ranked No. 2 in each of the polls, and Virginia is unranked. The Seminoles are 8-0, with a 5-0 record in ACC play, and the Cavaliers are 4-5 with a 2-3 conference record. Florida State holds a 13-3 lead in the all-time series.
Vegas: Florida State opened as a 21.5-point favorite. The line has since moved to 20.5. The over/under is 55.5 points.
Weather forecast: High of 68, mostly cloudy.
Two things at stake
Florida State needs to win out in order to keep its Playoff chances strong.
A win for Virginia could save its head coach’s job, as well as its chances at a bowl.
One big matchup
Jameis Winston vs. Virginia secondary. The reigning Heisman winner has had trouble with interceptions this season, throwing nine overall and four in the past two games, including three against Louisville. Virginia has picked off 11 passes this season, twice recording three interceptions in a game. Seniors Anthony Harris and Demetrious Nicholson bring experience to the secondary, and five-star true freshman Quin Blanding is one of the most talented defensive backs in the conference.
Further reading
For full coverage of Florida State, head over to Tomahawk Nation. For more on Virginia, check out Streaking the Lawn.
See More:
