Saturday’s FSU-Louisiana preview is the second-to-last non-conference game of the season for the Noles. Sitting at 7-3, Florida State has exceeded expectations and could end up in the Orange Bowl. But first, the team has to beat Louisiana and Florida. This will be the first-ever match-up between the two schools. The Ragin’ Cajuns, a member of the Sun Belt Conference, enter this week with a 5-5 record. Currently, the Seminoles are on pace to finish 9-3. A win this weekend would give the program its best record since 2016. FSU enters the game as a 24-point favorite.
FSU-Louisiana Preview
This week is another opportunity for the Seminoles to showcase their true talent. Under center, Jordan Travis has been more than exceptional leading the offense. His 20 passing touchdowns and 2,414 passing yards have given the offense a ton of momentum. In the backfield, Treshaun Ward is looking like a future star running the ball. Expect the Florida State offense to have no issues moving the ball down the field.
On the outside, Johnny Wilson and Mycah Pittman will be a huge mismatch for the Louisiana defenders. At 6’7″, Wilson has freak athleticism and catches almost every pass thrown his way. Pittman has been a solid addition to the roster with 28 catches for 305 yards and three scores. However, this would be the time for Mike Norvell to let Kentron Poitier or Malik McClain shine. Poitier, a Sophomore, has 10 catches for 201 yards and three touchdowns. McClain has totaled 12 receptions for 122 yards and two scores of his own.
This Seminoles’ offense averages 34 points per game and nearly 500 yards of offense. Louisiana allows 21.2 points per game and 354 yards to opposing teams. But, the Ragin’ Cajuns are fighting for a bowl berth and are heavily unmatched. Both teams are 3-2 in their last five games, but FSU definitely has tougher opponents.
Louisiana’s Offense Has to Keep Up
If the Cajuns are going to score an upset, the offense has to keep pace with the Noles. Florida State has been known during games this season to allow teams of lower prestige to stick around. Junior quarterback Ben Wooldridge has 15 touchdowns and five interceptions on the season. Averaging just under seven yards per pass, Wooldridge can fit the ball into tight windows.
Louisiana has to get running back Chris Smith established against an outstanding Noles defense. FSU gives up 138.6 rushing yards per game. For UL to keep it close, establishing the ground game is key.
Seminoles Defense on the Rise
Adam Fuller’s defense in Tallahassee has surprised many this season. Jared Verse has become a star in the Garnet and Gold. He has 34 tackles with six-and-a-half sacks. Jammie Robinson leads the team with 70 tackles and three passes defended. Fellow defensive backs Akeem Dent and Renardo Green make their presence known as well.
Up front, the Noles are led by Patrick Payton, Verse, and Derrick McLendon II. Between the three, there is a total of 90 tackles, 13.5 sacks, two passes defended, and a forced fumble. Fuller has done a tremendous job with the unit this season.
With Louisiana coming to town, this could be a game in which the defense shines bright. The Cajuns will struggle to move the ball if Florida State rushes on first and second down. Dropping Payton and Verse into coverage would give the linemen time to get into the backfield. Plus, linebackers Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune have made huge impressions this season.
FSU-Louisiana Prediction
The FSU-Louisiana game could easily be written off as a Seminoles victory. Yet, this is college football and anything can happen. Ranked teams have fallen to bowl-berth-fighting teams before. However, the Noles strike early and never look back. Travis could have a career day through the air and the defense will shine. FSU will easily cover the 24-point spread and win 52-17.
