Florida State will look to bounce back from its first ACC loss in more than three years on Saturday as the Seminoles head home to take on Syracuse. FSU is 6-1 on the year, but still controls its own destiny in the ACC. The Seminoles became bowl-eligible with a win over Louisville two weeks ago, but could clinch a 39th straight winning season by beating the Orange on Saturday. To break down the contest, the staff brings you “Five Things”:
1. On Syracuse
Mike Ferguson: Syracuse enters Saturday’s contest with a 3-4 record, but the Orange could easily be 5-2 after dropping heartbreaking contests to Virginia and Pittsburgh in each of the last two weeks. The Orange however, have not been the same team on the road. Syracuse doesn’t stand out in any particular phase of the game, but plays hard for head coach Scott Shafer.
Clint Eiland: The Orange are yet another team experiencing an early season skid, having lost four straight games and thus have not won a single game in October. Despite this, Syracuse has played tough match-ups with a triple-overtime loss at Virginia and last second field goal loss against No. 25 Pittsburgh. The Orange aren’t a bad team; they’re a mediocre one. They don’t excel in any offensive or defensive categories, but they’re not especially terrible in many either. Since the start of last season, Syracuse has only won four games against FBS competition (Wake Forest twice, Central Michigan twice).
Jon Marchant: The Syracuse Orange are 3-4 with losses to South Florida and Virginia and are coming off a 23-20 loss to Pittsburgh. The Orange run a spread attack that utilizes the read-option.
2. Players to Watch for FSU
Ferguson: You could probably say this every week, but it seems like cornerback Jalen Ramsey is due for a breakout performance. Ramsey has been solid this year for the Seminoles, but his numbers are fairly pedestrian. Ramsey was named a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist this week and against a spread team, expect the All-American to be all over the field for FSU.
Eiland: Syracuse’s pass defense has probably been the weakest spot of the team. The Orange give up an average of 250 yards a game and 8.0 yards-per-attempt. FSU’s Everett Golson will once again need to show the team that he can lead the offense, considering that running back Dalvin Cook is pretty banged up and might need to rest a week. If Golson gets going early, he could have a potentially great game.
Marchant: If running back Dalvin Cook plays, he should put up big numbers as Syracuse isn’t good enough to stop FSU’s rushing attack. The Orange gave up more than 200 yards rushing to Leonard Fournette when they faced LSU in the Carrier Dome back in September.
3. Biggest Concern for FSU
Ferguson: Coming off its first ACC loss in more than three years, I’m curious to see what confidence and desire Florida State plays with on Saturday. The Seminoles’ national title hopes have probably gone down the drain and with Clemson looming next week, it will be interesting to see if they can give an inspired effort. FSU still has the potential to have a great season, but how it responds to losing in heartbreaking fashion to a previously 2-5 team will say a lot about Jimbo Fisher’s crew.
Eiland: Letting the Georgia Tech loss have a snowball effect would be the worst thing FSU could do this season. A tight game in the second half with the Orange would only discourage the team more and bring up questions regarding motivation. The Seminoles need to come out focused and leave last week’s result where it is.
Marchant: FSU should win handily and this may end up being a passing scrimmage. The ‘Noles could use one because the passing game was largely responsible for the loss to Georgia Tech. Not getting this corrected against Syracuse would be very concerning.
4. X-Factor for FSU
Ferguson: A potential X-factor for this one is linebacker Terrance Smith and his health. Smith has been out with an ankle injury and is a big part of the FSU defense. With Clemson, Florida and potentially an ACC championship game coming this month, the Seminoles will need their best players on the field. Is Smith is able to go and how he performs against Syracuse will certainly be something to watch.
Eiland: How Everett Golson plays will dictate what direction this team is heading in. After a fairly poor performance last week, Golson needs to rebound and take advantage of a weak Syracuse secondary. If he plays like he did against Miami or Louisville, the game won’t be close. If he plays like he did against Georgia Tech or South Florida, it will be.
Marchant: The X-factor for this game is quarterback Everett Golson. With FSU’s stiffest competition yet to come, he has to play better. Can he?
5. FSU Wins If…
Ferguson: FSU will earn its seventh win if its can take care of the ball and execute in the red zone. The Seminoles had their first offensive turnover of the season in Saturday’s loss to Georgia Tech and squandered several scoring opportunities. Leaving points on the field or giving Syracuse a short field would be the recipe for an upset.
Eiland: …the offense can convert its red zone opportunities to touchdowns. We know what the defense is and it’s likely to hold Syracuse under 17 or 20 points. But this offense took a big step back last week and needs to gather itself before a trip to Clemson. Maximizing scoring chances will go a long way in locking down this game up for the Seminoles.
Marchant: FSU will win, but it needs to look at turning this game into a bloodbath early so it can get its starters some rest and avoid injury with a road trip to Clemson on deck next week.
