Florida State football: 3 bold predictions for pivotal game vs No. 16 Duke
The Florida State football team faces a tough test this week as they take on a rejuvenated Duke football team that’s looking to build on an already outstanding season.
Florida State, boasting a 7-0 record for the first time since 2014— the year they finished 13-0 before falling to Oregon in the inaugural College Football Playoff Semifinal— looks to put an exclamation point on their 2023 resume with a decisive win against No. 16 Duke.
Both the Seminoles and the Blue Devils are coming off big, blow-out Week 6 wins— FSU with a 38-point win against Syracuse and Duke with a 21-point win against NC State.
Now, these two programs are set to meet with ACC championship implications on the line. A loss by either team will make it difficult to reach the conference title game with No. 10 North Carolina and No. 21 Louisville waiting in the wings.
For the ‘Noles, their chances of making it to the CFP will be greatly diminished with a loss to Duke. Also on the line for Florida State, maintaining an unblemished record against Duke. The Seminoles have never lost a football game to Duke. Ever. Florida State is 21-0 all-time against the Blue Devils, dating back to 1992.
With so much at stake, one of the ACC’s top offenses (FSU scoring 42.2 ppg) will meet one of the conference’s top defenses (Duke allowing just 298.5 total yards per game) in a battle that brings to mind the immovable object vs unstoppable force. Let’s take a look at some predictions for what should be one of the best games in college football this week.
Florida State football team leans on epic game from WR Keon Coleman
Wide receiver Keon Coleman, an Opelousas, Louisiana native, has a knack for putting on spectacular performances in big games this season. The 6’4” junior hauled in three touchdowns against LSU in the season opener and two more against Clemson in an overtime, nail-biting win for the ‘Noles a couple of weeks ago.
The big man is certainly making a name for himself by racking up 418 receiving yards on just 29 catches. His seven touchdown receptions are tied for the third-most in college football. His play, physicality, and drive have put NFL scouts on notice which is probably why he’s starting to pop up as a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Expect Coleman to have another big game under the bright lights in prime time. Even against Duke’s tough defense, he’ll find a way to get open and help quarterback Jordan Travis move the ball down the field in chunks.
Prediction: Coleman has a big night with 125+ receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.