Preview: #5 Notre Dame @ #2 Florida State
Date: 20:00 ET
Time: 10/18/2014
Players to Watch
Everett Golson, quarterback (ND): Golson is one of those players you just love to watch. The senior has 16 touchdowns and four interceptions to go with 1,683 yards in 2014. Furthermore, he is a threat on the ground four touchdowns. Should Notre Dame fall behind in the game, look for Golson to pick his team up.
William Fuller, wide receiver (ND): Fuller saw limited action as a freshman, but after the graduation of TJ Jones and the suspension of the number two wide-out DaVaris Daniels, Fuller has picked up the mantle like it was always his. His 35 catches and seven touchdowns have included a number of highlight reel plays.
Rashad Greene, wide receiver (FSU): One of the reasons why Florida State is undefeated is Greene. Returning for his senior season, he has 44 catches for 683 yards and three touchdowns despite wobbly play from his quarterback. When Winston is in trouble he looks to Greene and the six-foot tall receiver more often than not delivers.
Dalvin Cook, running back (FSU): Cook is a player to watch simply because of the intrigue surrounding him. He was a five—star recruit in the 2014 class and was only expected to spell Karlos Williams. However, with Williams failing to live up to his potential, Cook saw a season high 23 touches last week against Syracuse which went for 122 yards and a score. Is Jimbo Fisher prepared to give the 200-pound tailback a permanent role?
Fighting Irish’s Offense Vs Seminoles’ Defense
Golson runs the Irish’s offense and he makes them tick. Fuller has come out of nowhere to be his go-to receiver and a solid stable of running backs ensure the offense is balanced. For Defenses it is difficult to shut this unit down because of its versatility and adaptability in games.
The Seminoles’ defense is not quite what it was last season but nevertheless do just enough. Conceding 41 to NC State and 20 to Syracuse is worrying but there is enough play-making talent in the group to make things happen when it matters.
Fighting Irish’s Defense Vs Seminoles’ Offense
On the other hand, Notre Dame’s defense has been a welcome surprise after a number of players were suspended before the season began. Holding Stanford to 14 and Michigan to zero has gone a long way to making them the 8th best unit in the FBS were points allowed are concerned.
Florida State’s offense has stuttered and spluttered so far in 2014 with Jamies Winston uncharacteristically turning the ball over. The Sophomore signal caller has 11 touchdowns in five games but has tossed five interceptions. Thankfully, there are enough pieces in the form of Greene, Cook and fellow running back Karlos Williams to ensure the scoreboard ticks over.
Game Preview
This match-up is by far and away the contest of the week despite Texas A&M travelling to Alabama and Kansas State facing off with Oklahoma. All eyes will be on how each quarterback plays under pressure and if either team will be worthy of a play-off berth should they lose.
Implications
Florida State held the number one ranking until Mississippi State dislodged them this past week. And, while a victory over Notre Dame may not restore them back to the top, it would go a long way to ensuring they are in the end of season play-off.
As for the Irish, it is one of five teams who remain undefeated, although it is ranked the lowest of all five besides Marshall. Nevertheless, a victory of the reigning national champions would ensure voters take note.
Prediction
This one is almost impossible to call and it could easily go either way without surprise. In such a situation I have to give the advantage to the home side. ND 24-27 FSU