Defending national champions Florida State passed their first real test of the season in Week 1, defeating Oklahoma State, 37-31. Week 2 was a bit less stressful, as the Seminoles handled FCS Citadel in their home opener 37-12. After a bye in Week 3, Florida State heads right into conference play, with some potentially tough matchups ahead. Let’s rank ‘em!
How long can FSU stay No. 1? Ranking all of its remaining opponents
The 2013 national champions appear unlikely to be truly tested too many times.
Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
11. October 4 vs. Wake Forest
Let’s check in with Florida State expert Bud Elliott on this one:
Clemson -24.5 at Wake Forest does seem like stealing. Wake has true claim for worst Major Conference team this year. OL abysmal.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) September 11, 2014 That was before the Demon Deacons' 36-24 loss to Utah State -- their second loss to a non-power opponent this season (Louisiana-Monroe was the first).
Last year’s result: Florida State 59, Wake Forest 3
10. September 27 at NC State
Dave Doeren won three games in his first season at NC State. Through three games in Year 2, he’s already matched that. That being said, NC State has faced quite possibly the weakest non-conference slate in the country. After opening the season with wins over recent FCS schools Georgia Southern and Old Dominion, the Wolfpack trounced South Florida -- a two-win team last season. Florida State might be a little bit of a step up, talent-wise.
Last year’s result: Florida State 49, NC State 17
9. October 11 at Syracuse
The Orange opened the season with a 27-26 double overtime win against FCS Villanova, casting some serious doubts on their ability to build on what was a strong debut season for head coach Scott Shafer in 2013. After a bye week, the Orange silenced some doubts, riding four total touchdowns from Terrel Hunt to a 40-3 victory over Central Michigan.
Last year’s result: Florida State 59, Syracuse 3
8. November 22 vs. Boston College
We'll know a lot more about Boston College by November -- it's the Seminoles' final conference game of the regular season -- but there are some early signs that the Eagles could hold their own. For starters, they did so last year. Besides Auburn in the national championship game, Boston College played the Seminoles closer than anybody else. Add in their punishing 37-31 upset win over USC and the strong play of Florida transfer quarterback Tyler Murphy, and Boston College could have a shot.
Last year’s result: Florida State 48, Boston College 34
7. December 6 vs. Pitt/Virginia Tech/North Carolina/Duke?
We’ve attempted to sort of average together Florida State’s potential ACC Championship opponents.
Pitt beat Boston College on the road in Week 2, but struggled against FIU, so it's hard to get a good read on the Panthers. They have a fantastic power back in James Conner who struggled to hold on to the ball in Week 3, but he's a weapon that will give defenses trouble throughout this year. Virginia Tech knocked off Ohio State in Columbus (causing an "A-C-C" chant at Ohio Stadium), but followed that up with a home loss to East Carolina. North Carolina needed an interception in the end zone to beat San Diego State and remain undefeated. Duke continues to put up points despite the departure of former offensive coordinator Kurt Roper.
Last year’s result: Florida State 45, Duke 7
6. November 29 vs. Florida
Besides Auburn, Florida held the Seminoles to the lowest point total in 2013 (yes, 37 points was a low). The Gators looked like their old selves against Eastern Michigan in Week 1, but Kentucky took them to triple overtime Saturday. Florida might contain the Florida State offense, but it’s hard to see the Gators’ offense putting up too many points.
Last year’s result: Florida State 37, Florida 7.
5. November 15 at Miami
The Hurricanes were blown out again by Louisville, but responded with a pair of nice performances against Florida A&M and Arkansas State. True freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya has two months to prepare for the Seminole defense (which may just eat him alive), and Miami has weapons like Duke Johnson and Phillip Dorsett, who could cause problems.
Last year’s result: Florida State 41, Miami 14
4. October 30 at Louisville
The ACC newcomers have likely pleased the Seminoles by beating up on Miami twice in a row, but their recent loss to Virginia has raised some eyebrows. The Cardinals' offense, otherwise a success in the second Bobby Petrino era, came to a complete halt against the Cavaliers. Virginia's defense is nothing to scoff at, but Florida State's is even better.
Last year’s result: N/A
3. November 8 vs. Virginia
Virginia might be the team best-designed to challenge Florida State due to its talent on defense, but we’re hesitant to give the Cavaliers too much credit after their big win. Mike London has brought top-tier talent to Charlottesville in key defensive places, and it’s taken until now for that to start turning into on-field success.
Last year’s result: N/A
2. September 20 vs. Clemson
The 2013 version of this game was billed as perhaps the biggest game in conference history. That ... didn't happen, and Clemson is now without Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins, among others. The Tigers have been recruiting at a high level under Dabo Swinney, so the talent is likely there, but it's hard to get a read on where they are this season. Florida State will be without Jameis Winston for a half, but the Seminoles have depth and talent across the field, not just at quarterback.
Last year’s result: Florida State 51, Clemson 14
1. October 18 vs. Notre Dame
The Irish have had a very strong start to the season, riding three excellent performances from returned quarterback Everett Golson to three blowout wins. The Irish are the closest team on this list to the Seminoles in terms of pure talent, and boast one of the strongest defenses in the nation so far this season.
Last year’s result: N/A
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