Saturday’s game in South Bend between Florida State (1-8) and No. 10 Notre Dame (7-1) features two programs heading in opposite directions. The Seminoles are on track to finish the season with one of the worst records in the school’s history. Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish have been unbeatable since a shocking Week 2 loss at home to Northern Illinois. Notre Dame, a 26.5-point favorite over Florida State, has gone 6-0 since the early-season loss, outscoring opponents 256-68. Kick off is slated for 7:30 p.m. The game will be televised by NBC.
The Week 11 contest marks the 12th meeting between Notre Dame and Florida State. It is the first matchup between the two teams in which at least one of the teams is not ranked in the AP Top 25. Notre Dame is 5-6 all-time against Florida State, and 3-2 when playing in South Bend. The Irish won the last meeting in 2021, a 41-38 overtime game in Tallahassee. Notre Dame is one of four teams with three Top 25 wins this season. The Irish join No. 5 Texas, No. 7 Tennessee, and Illinois. Notre Dame and Tennessee own the best record vs. ranked opponents this season in the FBS, going 3-0.
Streaking Irish Face Struggling Seminoles
Notre Dame is fresh off a statement victory against previously unbeaten Navy in Week 9. Coming off its second bye week, Notre Dame is looking to keep the momentum rolling against Florida State. Last year’s ACC champions, the Seminoles have lost five straight games heading into Saturday’s contest. Florida State has the second-worst scoring offense in the country and will be facing a stubborn Notre Dame defense. The Irish remain in the mix for a berth in the College Football Playoff. In his weekly press conference ahead of Saturday’s game, head coach Marcus Freeman cautioned against taking the Seminoles lightly.
“Moving forward to Florida State, it’s a very talented football team,” Freeman said in his opening statement. “It doesn’t take long to turn on the film and realize how talented they are. They might be one of the most talented teams we face all year. That’s just what the film tells you. Their record doesn’t reflect their talent. They’ve had to deal with some injuries, especially at QB that has affected the outcome of some of their games. Our team must and will respect the challenge that Saturday night here at Notre Dame Stadium will present. We have to respect that by the way that we prepare. This is a crucial week of preparation.”
Notre Dame’s Dominant Defense Poised to Shut Down Florida State
With just three games left in the regular season, Mike Norvell’s Seminoles are looking to avoid one of the worst seasons in program history. An upset victory over Notre Dame would provide a significant boost. But the Seminoles would need to play at a level they have yet to reach this year. Notre Dame enters the game with a dominant defense that has stifled opposing offenses all season long. The Irish defense is poised to continue their impressive form against a struggling Florida State offense. If the Seminoles are trying to find offensive rhythm this week, facing the Irish may not provide that opportunity.
Notre Dame’s defense is a big part of the Irish’s success this season. Under Al Golden, the unit ranks fourth in the country in points allowed per game at 12.1. Notre Dame’s defense is eighth in yards allowed per game (282.9). On the other side of the ball, Florida State ranks second-to-last in the country in points scored per game at 14.4 and second-to-last in total yards per game (264.4).
“Their record may not be where they want it to be,” Freeman said, “but I’m not trying to make this team something they’re not. They are a talented, talented football team. And that’s my message to the team. We respect our opponent. You don’t have to watch many plays to realize how talented they are. But we have to continue to do the things in preparation to make sure we do the things that give our program the best chance at success on Saturday. We know what the result is when you don’t mentally prepare the right way. That’s why we say, ‘Keep the pain from NIU.’ It’s important that our guys understand that.”
Notre Dame’s Defense Vs. Florida State’s Offense
While injuries have taken their toll on the Irish this season, true freshman Leonard Moore has stepped in admirably for the Notre Dame defense. Filling in for injured cornerback Benjamin Morrison, Moore, along with sophomore Christian Gray have stepped up in the secondary. Gray sealed the Texas A&M win with a key pass breakup. Moore had an impressive interception in the back of the end zone against Navy.
They will be tested Saturday, going up against Florida State’s most explosive receivers in Ja’Khi Douglas and Malik Benson. Douglas has 25 receptions for 404 yards and three touchdowns. Benson has caught 23 passes for 302 yards and one receiving touchdown. The speedy wideouts can get vertical and stretch the field. With transfer quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei out with an injury, Brock Glenn (43-of-93 for 515 yards and four touchdowns) will be under center for the Seminoles. The Irish secondary must win these key matchups with Florida State’s playmakers to have success and maintain their dominance.
With Moore, Gray, and veteran Xavier Watts holding down the secondary, Rylie Mills and Howard Cross III are playing fantastic football in the trenches. Cross has recorded 202 total tackles and four sacks. Mills has amassed 22 total tackles and three sacks. With Cross and Mills applying pressure on Glenn and Florida State’s offensive line, the Irish’s young linebacking core can play free, and with any luck, generate pressure in the middle of the field.
Irish Offense Vs. Seminoles Defense
Notre Dame’s offense is solid, not spectacular. Seemingly zeroing in on its identity in recent weeks, the unit is capable of scoring points. A lot of them. With dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard and dynamic running back Jeremiyah Love leading the way, Notre Dame’s offense has a nose for the end zone. Notre Dame ranks 106th national with 190.5 passing yards per game. Florida State ranks 41st nationally with 201.3 passing yards allowed per game. The Irish rank 13th nationally with 216.5 rushing yards a game. The Seminoles rank 115th nationally with 191.4 rushing yards per game.
As for Leonard’s improved decision-making and accuracy in recent weeks, Freeman attributes his quarterback’s development to confidence.
“He has confidence in what he is being asked to do,” Freeman said. “He’s making fast decisions. They’re not always perfect, but he’s making fast decisions and confident decisions. We all know he has the ability to tuck the ball and run and create a first down out of nothing. But he’s doing a great job of building that relationship with (Mike) Denbrock, so they know exactly what each other is thinking. And then the confidence he has with those guys around him has been tremendous.
“It’s just continuously building on what he’s done,” Freeman continued. “He is settling in. In the first two weeks, he saw the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. And he was able to say, ‘I get it.’ Now put your head down and go to work and do the things it takes to make yourself, as quarterback of this place, the best quarterback you can be. He is doing that and doing a heck of a job at it.”
Another Must-Win Game For Notre Dame
For the Irish to keep their CFP aspirations intact, they must continue to improve in all facets in yet another must-win game. A stifling defensive performance will be key to shutting down Florida State’s struggling offense. Notre Dame’s offense must capitalize on its opportunities and continue to find the end zone with its plethora of weapons. A win in primetime on Saturday night will keep Notre Dame’s playoff hopes alive and will also set the tone for the homestretch of the regular season.
