Florida State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
The Florida Gators are having an interesting time entering head coach Jim McElwain’s third season. They have already suspended seven players for the season opener versus the Michigan Wolverines on Sept. 2.
More: Florida State Football: 2017 season preview, predictions
The Gators offense was a trainwreck in last year’s meeting with the Florida State Seminoles. They accumulated just 58 yards on the ground and 149 passing yards and didn’t score a touchdown on offense.
Their lone touchdown came on safety Marcell Harris’ 12-yard fumble return. Despite forcing three turnovers in the game, Florida couldn’t overcome Austin Appleby at quarterback. Appleby went 19-for-35 with 149 passing yards on the day. It wasn’t a bad performance but the Gators lost 31-13.
Harris is one of three starters that returns from last year’s defense. As the Gators look to defend their SEC East crown, they could be in for another long game against Florida State.
This season, Florida still has some questions remaining at quarterback. Luke Del Rio hasn’t won his job back since getting injured last season. Graduate transfer Malik Zaire and Feleipe Franks haven’t won over the coaching staff, either.
Coach McElwain has spoken of playing three quarterbacks in their season opener. However, they should have a more solid outlook on their signal-caller by next season’s finale.
The defense has largely made up for the offensive inefficiencies in the past. Last year, they ranked second in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (148.5) and sixth in the nation in scoring defense (16.8). This year’s matchup will be interesting as a lot of that production will be gone.
Final: Florida 14, Florida State 24 (11-1, 8-0 ACC)
End of regular season: 11-1 (8-0 ACC)
It may seem a bit far-fetched but the Florida State Seminoles have the defensive caliber to go undefeated, at least in ACC play. Safety Derwin James is prime to do bigger things after sitting out with a knee injury last season. Their defensive line of Brian Burns, Derrick Nnadi and Josh Sweat will also continue to emerge.
Deondre Francois should have a better time throwing the ball as well. He wasn’t protected very well last season but the return of guard Landon Dickerson should help his cause. Francois could be up for ACC Player of the Year honors before it’s all said and done.
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Another player who should provide a huge contribution is Cam Akers. Akers already made noise in the team’s annual spring game. As the Seminoles desperately need a need kick returner, Akers could be that guy. He’s explosive in space and has a knack for the endzone, which fans will soon get a glimpse of.
An 11-1 result can possibly put the Florida State Seminoles in the College Football Playoff. They’ll have to prove themselves on the national stage, though, and win a majority of those games. Their offense will tell the tale by season’s end, but expect them to be a top four team in 2017.