The beginning of the 2014 college football season is upon us as Florida State looks to become repeat national championships and the first winner of college football’s 4-team playoff. While the schedule for Florida State is beefed up from a season ago, it begins with some key contests in the first month of the season. Here’s a look at Florida State’s match-up to watch for in its season opener with Oklahoma State on August 30th and its three games during the month of September:
Florida State vs. Oklahoma State — August 30th (Dallas)
Match-up to Watch: FSU front seven vs. Oklahoma State ground game
The two teams to give Florida State trouble a season ago (Boston College and Auburn) each had downhill rushing attacks. Oklahoma State may not possess a Tre Mason or an Andre Williams, but it does return its leading rusher in 210-pound Desmond Roland. Roland averaged 4.6 yards-per-carry last season and scored 13 rushing touchdowns. Roland will be facing a Florida State front seven that is replacing Timmy Jernigan, Christian Jones and Telvin Smith as well as key reserves like Demonte McAllister and Jacobbi McDaniel. If Roland and the Cowboy ground attack can be successful, that would shorten the game and mean fewer snaps for Jameis Winston and the high-powered Florida State offense.
The Citadel at Florida State — September 6th
Match-up to Watch: Fans vs. The weather
There doesn’t look to be much football drama as Florida State hosts a FCS school in The Citadel that finished just 5-7 last season. How long fans stay however, could depend on the Tallahassee weather on that Saturday evening.
Clemson at Florida State — September 20th
Match-up to Watch: FSU offensive line vs. Clemson defensive line
Florida State has scored 100 combined points against Clemson over the last two seasons and for the Tigers to steal one in Tallahassee, they must win at the point of attack. Florida State may have five seniors and four returning starters along the offensive front, but Clemson may have the best defensive line that Florida State will see all season. Defensive end Vic Beasley led the ACC with 13 sacks a season ago while defensive tackle Grady Jarrett may be the best in the conference at that position. While the Clemson defense has struggled against the Seminoles in the past, it has the personnel up front to get to Winston and perhaps force turnovers or make FSU one-dimensional.
Florida State at N.C. State — September 27th
Match-up to Watch: FSU vs. History
While Florida State is coming off of a national championship and N.C. State is coming off of a winless ACC campaign, the Seminoles would not be wise to take the Wolfpack lightly in Raleigh. N.C. State is the last ACC team to beat the Seminoles and the only team in the Atlantic division that FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher has yet to defeat on the road with the exception of newcomer Louisville. In October of 2012, the Wolfpack rallied from 16 points down to stun third-ranked Florida State and since 1998, FSU is just 3-5 in Raleigh.
