No. 25 Florida State vs. Notre Dame
Dec. 29, 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
At Orlando, Fla.
Playing a bowl game to win a ninth game and end the season with a national ranking isn’t what these two programs are historically accustomed to, but that’s what we’ve got as the Seminoles, who bring up the rear in both the AP and coaches’ poll, take on the Fighting Irish, who are waiting in the wings among the “others receiving votes” crowd.
Notre Dame’s victory over Michigan State way back on Sept. 17 is the only win either of these teams posted against a ranked opponent and the Irish have been searching to recapture that mojo ever since.
The 31 points Notre Dame (8-4) scored against the Spartans that day represents one of its proudest accomplishments. Michigan State ended the season ranked ninth in the nation in scoring defense. And guess what, Florida State (8-4) is ranked five slots higher in fourth, allowing just 15 points per game.
The Seminoles also are ranked sixth in total defense, second in rushing defense and first in punting.
All of that puts a great deal of pressure on a Notre Dame attack that has yet to find an identity. Continued uncertainty at quarterback doesn’t help the cause, especially since getting the football to wide receiver Michael Floyd is paramount to having success against the FSU defense.
The Seminoles are even more offensively challenged than the Irish, experiencing all kinds of problems establishing a ground attack and protecting the passer, but we feel good about Jimbo Fisher’s postseason approach, which worked well in last year’s 26-17 victory over a tough South Carolina squad in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Opening point spread: Florida State by 3
The pick: Florida State 27-20
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