FSU Football 2014: 12 Steps To Another National Title

Nine days and counting. There may not be a bigger FSU fan on Football Nation than myself – waiting for my alma mater, FSU, to defend its national title this season. Starting the year off in Dallas against Oklahoma State is just the right way to get things started.

According to Athlon Sports, Florida State ended the SEC’s run of dominance with a 34-31 victory over Auburn to win the final BCS Championship. As college football shifts to the playoff era, the Seminoles are the pick to repeat in 2014. Quarterback Jameis Winston is poised to make another run at the Heisman, and the offense is loaded with talent at the skill positions, including running back Karlos Williams and receiver Rashad Greene.

Tackle Timmy Jernigan is a big loss, but the Seminoles are loaded with talent and feature the nation’s top defensive backfield. With a favorable schedule, Florida State is an overwhelming pick to finish 12-0 in the regular season and claim the No. 1 seed in college football’s new playoff format.

Here is a look at the Seminoles’ regular season with game predictions.

Aug. 30 vs. OKLAHOMA STATE (IN DALLAS)

What a great way to kick off the season. Oklahoma State was a solid passing team – one that knocked off Baylor last season. The game should be high scoring, but the Seminoles should prevail. FSU 48-20.

Sept. 6 vs. CITADEL

Seriously? The Seminoles open up against the Cowboys and now they get the Citadel. The Bulldogs figure to have little bite against the swarming FSU defense. FSU huge, 56-3.

Sept. 20 vs. CLEMSON

The Tigers look nothing like the team it was last season. But the results will be the same. The Tigers will still have an outstanding defense but the offense will be lacking quite a bit of power. FSU wins 31-10.

Sept. 27 at N. C. STATE

Welcome Jacoby Brissett to the ACC. While at Florida, Brissett knew all too well about FSU and its dominance over the Gators. The Wolfpack will be a contender in the conference in another two years, or so. But for now, Noles Rule. FSU wins 44-14.

OCT. 4 vs. WAKE FOREST

Maybe the most telling fact about the Demon Deacons team this season is they are picked to finish last in the Atlantic division of the ACC. FSU will roll in this one. 49-0, Noles.

OCT. 11 at SYRACUSE

Syracuse will get to a bowl game this season, but it may be with a .500 record. The Orange make the game competitive for a quarter and no longer. FSU 39-0.

OCT. 18 vs. NOTRE DAME

The Fighting Irish figure to be one of the 25 nest teams in the country this season. With Everett Golson back in the fold and the team dealing with the loss of players due to scandal. Brian Kelly is a great coach, but his team will be undermanned.  FSU 23-10.

OCT. 30 vs. LOUISVILLE

This is the game everyone is talking about already. A Thursday night game where Bobby Petrino and his Cardinals come to Tallahassee to play. It looks like a trap game but FSU prevails. Noles win, 34-21.

NOV. 8 vs. VIRGINIA

There isn’t much the Cavaliers will be able to do in this game. Despite the fact Virginia has a solid run game, Florida State will contain early and roll. FSU 35-0.

NOV. 15 at MIAMI

Here is where it gets interesting. Miami and FSU played last season as two undefeated teams. FSU ran over the Hurricanes. Miami has a chance, but it’s slim. Seminoles make quick work in south Florida. 31-21.

NOV. 22 vs. BOSTON COLLEGE

Last year, we saw that the Seminoles could be vulnerable against the run. Andre Williams proved that over and over again. This year, Williams is in the NFL. FSU wins 48-10.

NOV. 29 vs. FLORIDA

The significance of this game means more than win and loses. While FSU may be undefeated going into this game, we all know anything can happen regardless of records. Florida may need to win this game to save Will Duchamp’s job. Regardless of the situation, FSU wins. FSU 34-28.