Wake Forest

I have to admit: I was pleasantly surprised to see the score of FSU versus Miami from my seat in Gainesville (don’t ask why I attended the LSU vs UF game). Alas, FSU could not hold-on quite as long as they needed (and had a controversial dismissed touchdown that would of sealed the win for the Noles). I gave Florida State no chance to beat Miami, in fact, I expected a blow-out loss to the Canes. This, in my eyes, is the necessary progress that I needed to see for my personal expectations for Florida State to rise once again. While Florida State, in some regards, is closer to 2-4 than 3-3, it is my belief that Florida State should really be sitting at 4-2 if not for the notoriously bad ACC officiating. After a much-needed bye week, Florida State has made injury recoveries and perhaps a re-evaluation of positioning and strategy moving forward into the toughest gauntlet of games any ACC team will face the remainder of the season. It all begins with Wake Forest. While the Demon Deacons of Winston-Salem are seeking bowl eligibility at this point in the season, it is safe to assume that Florida State will fight to maintain their FBS bowl streak as well. The offense is finally clicking in a way that vaguely resembles Lethal Simplicity, or at least to what Coach Taggart preaches. Wake is also struggling on defense, affording Florida State the opportunity to demonstrate their development since facing Miami in Coral Gables.

Final Verdict

I’ve seen enough production from the Florida State offense in difficult road environments that I can say with confidence that I like their chances, at home, against a Wake Forest squad that is struggling mightily on defense. Additionally, while I can’t rule out the Wake Forest offense, I believe the Florida State defense is performing at an efficiency that Wake Forest will not be able to compete with for a full 60 minutes. Additionally, special teams leans in favor of Florida State, at least from what I’ve seen in comparison to the Wake Forest special teams fiasco. So long as Florida State doesn’t revert to begging-of-season form, I like Florida State to not only win, but win with ease.

Wake Forest: 14

Florida State: 31

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