ISD Game Predictions: Florida State
It’s that time again, and that means another prediction from the IrishSportsDaily.com staff.
It’s been a few weeks, and Notre Dame fans are chomping at the bit to see their beloved Irish back on the field. We’re sure the ND players are also excited, but will the time off and distractions impact Notre Dame in this game?
Florida State showed some signs of life on offense in the second half of their last game. The Irish appeared to be ready to take off as a team before a Covid-19 outbreak. Which team comes out on top?
Mike Frank
It’s really a shame that Covid derailed the Irish a few weeks ago as I really felt Notre Dame was primed to explode on offense. The Irish were playing with both excellent execution and production before the stoppage, but will the Irish stumble out of the gate on Saturday due to the off time?
the FSU program appears to be at a crossroads. Florida State head coach, Mike Norvell, recently called out his team in a press conference, and one of two things will likely happen because of it. They will respond and play better, or they won’t. It’s usually up to team leadership to pick up the baton and run with it. Does FSU have any leadership? The answer to that question will play a role on Saturday.
Regardless, I just don’t think the Seminoles have the culture and overall talent and depth to beat Notre Dame. They can keep it close, but I don’t see them winning. I also don’t think they’ll keep it close for long.
FSU might surprise for a quarter or a quarter and a half, but Clark Lea’s defense will lock down FSU and the Irish will pull away comfortably.
Notre Dame 34, FSU, 13
Christian McCollum
It’s not the dominating win that South Florida was, but the Irish take control of this one early and never lose it.
Ian Book spreads the ball around, featuring the wide receivers more than in the first two games, no doubt aided by the return of Kevin Austin, who catches five passes for almost 100 yards and a score while on a snap count.
Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree continue to carry the load on the ground and finish the game off by grinding up yards and clock in the second half.
Even under new quarterback Jordan Travis, the Seminoles offense still exhibits significant struggles, although they are able to hit a couple explosive plays to account for most of their scoring.
Most importantly, the Irish shook off any rust that may have been there with a two-week layoff and they can now focus on a five-week stretch that will likely determine their overall fate for the season.
Notre Dame 45, Florida State 20
Jamie Uyeyama
FSU's defense has had too many breakdowns in coverage and are too undisciplined to make me believe they're going to stop Notre Dame from scoring. They haven't shown they can pressure the passer with four rushers, either.
I think we'll see Tommy Rees create some big play opportunities with play-action and we'll see more deep shots in this matchup.
On the other side of the ball, I do believe quarterback Jordan Travis poses a threat with his mobility, and if he can complete big throws to Tamorrion Terry, it should give FSU's offense some life.
Their line is flat out not going to be able to block Notre Dame's defensive line, though. And if they can't run the ball, they aren't going to succeed in long yardage situations.
The Irish come out slow, but pull away in the end.
Notre Dame 38, Florida State 13
John Brice
In the 2012 Will Farrell-headlined election comedy, “The Campaign,” Zach Galifianakis’ foil to Ferrell, Marty Huggins, says of D. C. and politics in general, “It’s a mess!”
It could be reprised today into a program-slogan for Florida State. The Seminoles look nothing like the juggernaut program that won a national title within the past decade.
FSU has some nice pieces; it is a mismatched program right now in Mike Norvell’s first season.
Notre Dame might have some rust to shake off, but it also is a veteran team with the right leadership to transition back into game-mode following a three-week break.
Ian Book has his best passing game of the year, and Notre Dame either gets a defensive score or sets up the offense on a short field.
Either way, Irish roll.
ND 34, Noles 10
Matt Freeman
Notre Dame fans will have to exhibit patience on Saturday night as the Fighting Irish are battling a long layoff, an incomplete roster and players not in game shape.
The good news is Notre Dame can and will win this game. While it will likely start ugly, the veteran leadership should help immensely.
Look for Notre Dame to expand the passing game at times, but the run game should take the soul of Mike Norvell's 'Noles.
Notre Dame 34, Florida State 10