Another week, another big zero in the loss column for the Florida State Seminoles. The Duke Blue Devils forced FSU to stick to their wits and overcome adversity. However, they got the job done at home, and head into Week 9 sitting at a perfect 7-0 mark and the unquestioned leaders in the ACC. Next up, a road trip to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as FSU looks to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
The Noles overcame the challenge presented by Duke last Saturday in Tallahassee, 38–20. It was a victory that mirrored the flow and style of the Week One win over LSU. The defense struggled against Duke’s potent rushing attack in the first half, and the Seminoles found themselves down 20–17 at the half. After a stagnant and scoreless third quarter, FSU put everything together in the fourth, scoring 21 unanswered and running away with the win.
Wake Forest ended its three-game losing streak last weekend at home against Pitt. Playing with a third-string quarterback making his first career collegiate start in Santino Marucci, the Deacons survived with a thrilling 21-17 victory in the final seconds. They badly needed the win to regain momentum, and now sit at 4-3 on the year. Is this a sign of things to come? Was the result exactly what this team needed to finish strong down the stretch?
Series History and Statistical Breakdown
The Seminoles historically dominate the series, collecting a victory in 30 of the 40 times these programs have met. However, the Deacons have had their number as of late, coming into this matchup with a three-game winning streak in the series. Last season, led by Sam Hartman, Wake Forest picked up the win in Doak-Campbell Stadium, 31–21. With Hartman now off to greener pastures, the talent gap has swayed much more in the Noles’ favor. Can they take advantage with the revenge factor also at play?
One area where FSU could absolutely take advantage of Wake Forest is in the passing game. The Seminoles’ deep receiving room is nearly at full health again and facing a pass defense that allows 238.6 yards per game. That’s the third-worst in the conference and ranked 83rd in the nation. Another lies in turnover margin and the battle for takeaways. FSU ranks 22nd nationally with a +5 turnover margin, while Wake Forest struggles to maintain possession, ranking 113th nationally with a -5 differential. In short, the Seminoles dictate games by creating opportunities off their opponents’ mishaps. On the other side, the Deacons haven’t been very smart in handling the football this season. That could spell early trouble for WF’s upset hopes.
Players to Watch
FSU WR Keon Coleman
His name gets brought up a lot, and rightfully so. Coleman is currently the team’s leading receiver on a stack position group. He’s had a season full of one-handed snags and highlight-worthy plays. However, he had a quiet game last weekend and took a backseat to tight end Jaheim Bell and the healing Johnny Wilson. Coleman has seemingly maintained a steady trend of having a breakout performance every other weekend. With a porous Wake Forest secondary in the wings, this feels like a game where the Noles’s passing game thrives once again, with Coleman due to be its leader.
Wake Forest RB Duo
Justice Ellison came into this season the seasoned veteran and hot returning name of the Deacons’ offensive arsenal. He’s taken more of a complimentary role in the backfield than many expected heading into 2023. Sophomore Demond Claiborne has surprised many and currently leads the team with 99 carries for 471 yards and five touchdowns. Neither is a huge concern as a receiver out of the backfield. The tandem is one of the better ones in the ACC, however, and the FSU front seven must keep them to a slower start than they allowed against Duke last weekend.
Wake Forest LB Jacob Roberts
The unquestioned leader of the Deacons defense, Roberts brings both experience and intensity to his play. The senior leads the way in total tackles with 55, as well as in sacks with five. He’s a sideline-to-sideline defender who can hurt opposing offenses in run support, as well as displaying a knack for getting to the quarterback off the edge. Roberts will be a guy the Seminoles offensive line will need to keep an eye on throughout the contest.
Prediction
Florida State is on a roll, and this just doesn’t appear to be the game where they trip up. There’s a sizable difference in depth and star power between these two rosters. Plus, the Deacons are dealing with some nagging injury issues and a questionable situation at the quarterback position. Look for a tenacious and opportunistic FSU defense to collect a few turnovers that lead to scores. The explosive passing game has another prime opportunity to show up and show out. The Seminoles control the pace and dominate time of possession from the opening kickoff.
FSU 45, Wake Forest 21
