This weekend’s Florida State vs Wake Forest preview is set to be a pivotal match-up of the top 25 teams. That is if the game is played as scheduled. With Hurricane Ian making landfall in Florida, the Demon Deacons are cautious about traveling to Tallahassee. However, FSU released a statement on Tuesday saying the game is still scheduled for Saturday. The consensus thought is that the game will be played as scheduled at 3:30 Eastern Time on October 2. With that in mind, let’s dive into what is a momentous opportunity for the Seminoles.
Florida State vs Wake Forest Preview
After starting the season 4-0, the Seminoles are ranked for the first time since 2018. The program hasn’t seen a 5-0 start since 2015. Following a 44-14 rout against Boston College, the Noles are primed for a big game against a talented Wake Forest team. The Demon Deacons are coming off a 51-45 shootout loss to Clemson but look to rebound this week. If FSU can get a win, their chances of contending for an ACC Championship increase dramatically. But to get there, the Noles have to defeat Wake first.
Seminoles’ Offense is the Driving Force to a Win
The Seminoles’ offense revolves around quarterback Jordan Travis. Despite being injured against Louisville, Travis played last week and put forth an outstanding showcase. In the win over BC, Travis passed for a career-high 321 yards and one score on 16-of-26 passing. While he didn’t practice last week, his ability to play showed the determination he has. Facing Wake this week, Travis has to continue being the poised signal-caller he has been all season. Wake Forest allows 237 passing yards per game. Travis’ ability to achieve that mark will be a big reason the Noles have a chance to win.
With playmakers on the outside, Florida State has the talent to go toe-to-toe with the Demon Deacons. Should this game go back and forth, the receivers could make big-time plays. Ontaria Wilson, Mycah Pittman, and Johnny Wilson are the trio that helps keep Travis going through the air. However, the emergence of Kentron Poitier and Malik McClain is something to keep an eye on.
Staying with the offense, the three-headed monster at tailback has been dominant all year. Treshaun Ward continues to be a force on the ground with 350 yards and three scores. Trey Benson and Lawrance Toafili both have explosive playmaking abilities after contact.
Wake Forest is No Pushover
The Garnet and Gold cannot enter this game with a gimme-win mindset. This Wake team is not Boston College from a week ago. Demon Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman is a solidified quality signal-caller that has one of the best arms in all of college football. Wake averages around 340 yards of offense per game. However, as seen last week, this program can go to-to-toe with perennial powerhouse teams. Now, FSU is by no means a powerhouse program at the moment. But, Wake Forest has a potent offense that can put up points. On the outside, A.T. Perry and Jahmal Banks are outstanding pass-catchers.
For Florida State to have success, getting pressure on Hartman and defending at the line of scrimmage will be two major keys to victory. Defensively for Wake, the program redshirt Junior Jacorey Johns is a freak athlete up front. Senior lineman Kobie Turner is another name to watch for on the defensive line for FSU on Saturday. Keeping Travis healthy is key. But so is blocking well up front to give him time in the pocket. So far this season, the Seminoles’ offensive line has held up well despite injuries.
First Win Over Wake in Four Years?
Florida State has lost two straight to the Demon Deacons. Last, FSU suffered a 35-14 blowout loss in Winston-Salem. The 2020 match-up was canceled due to covid. Three years ago, Wake took down FSU 22-20. In terms of ending a losing drought, this is one opponent the Seminoles could use a win over in 2022.
In the all-time series, Florida State is 30-8-1. Though the Deacons hold a two-game winning streak, FSU has won every match-up in Tallahassee since 2010. Entering Saturday, Florida State is a seven-point favorite. Given that both teams can score points, Florida State vs Wake Forest could be a blockbuster marquee match-up inside Doak Campbell Stadium.
