Florida State Football: 3 Bold Predictions vs Duke in Week 15
By Michael Tate
Mike Norvell’s first season as head coach for Florida State football has been difficult to say the least. Here are three predictions vs Duke football.
The The Florida State football team enters this week with an abysmal 2-6 (1-6) record and have not played since November 14th. Even if FSU can win its two remaining games, this would still be the worst record the team has had since 1975.
The good news for Noles’ fans this week is that they’re play a struggling 2-8 (1-8) Duke team. Duke football is coming off of a 48-0 lost to Miami last week. The Blue Devils have turned the ball over 35 times this season, the most in the entire country.
Here are my 3 Bold Predictions:
Florida State will finally get a pass rush
FSU has not been able to generate a pass rush all season. Their eight sacks on the season is the worst in the ACC. Duke, on the other hand has given up 34 sacks on the season. So, this is probably the best game for the Noles’ pass rush to get through. Janarius Robinson leads FSU with three sacks on the season, keep an eye out for him on Saturday.
Jordan Travis will run for 100 plus yards
FSU quarterback Jordan Travis is entering Saturday’s game with 552(5.6) rushing yards on the season, most on the team. Travis had big rushing performances against North Carolina (107, 2TDs) and Notre Dame (96, 1 TD). Duke has given up the most rushing yards per game (204.9) in the ACC. Also, the Blue Devils allowed Georgia Tech true freshman quarterback Jeff Sims to run for 108 yards two weeks ago. So expect FSU to use Travis early and often in the run game.
Duke will not turn the ball over
This may be the boldest prediction of the weekend considering Duke’s turnover luck (or lack thereof) on the season. However, if you dig a little deeper, FSU lost its best defensive player in cornerback Asante Samuel (3 INTs) due to opt out for the NFL draft. Also, the Noles lost former 5 star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson to a season ending injury. Veteran coach David Cutcliffe will probably have a master class on protecting the football this week.
Score Prediction:
Duke 24, Florida State 20