The (25) Florida State Seminoles are looking for their first win when they head into Wake Forest to take on the unbeaten Demon Deacons this Saturday. The ACC Conference match-up is scheduled to go down on Saturday, September 30th at 3:30 p.m. EST. The game can also be watched on the ABC Network. Heading into BB&T Stadium, the Seminoles are -7.5 point favorites and the over/under is at 46.5 points.
The Florida State Seminoles are coming off a 27-21 home loss to the N.C. State Wolfpack. In that contest, Florida State true freshman quarterback James Blackmon made his first start. Starter Deondre Francois was lost in their first game with torn ligaments in his leg.
Even though the Seminoles were defeated, Blackmon performed well. Unfortunately, Florida State just couldn’t produce enough offense to overcome the Wolfpack.Wake Forest edged Appalachian State 20-19 in their previous contest. Florida State recorded a 17-6 home win against Wake Forest last season.
Even though the Seminoles were defeated, Blackmon performed well. Unfortunately, Florida State just couldn’t produce enough offense to overcome the Wolfpack.Wake Forest edged Appalachian State 20-19 in their previous contest. Florida State recorded a 17-6 home win against Wake Forest last season.
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons edged out Appalachian State 20-19 in their previous contest last week. In that game, the Demon Deacons had a clutch block of a Mountaineers field goal in the closing moments of the match. As a result, they improved their record to 4-0. When these two schools faced-off last season, Florida State recorded a 17-6 home win against Wake Forest.
(25) Florida State Seminoles (0-2)
Well, I think it is obvious to everybody that follows college football that this is a must-win game for the Seminoles. After starting their campaign 0-2, there is little room for any error if they want a chance at the playoffs.
After the unfortunate injury to Deondre Francois, freshman signal-caller James Blackmon was thrust into the starting role. In all reality, Blackmon had a solid performance. At times he looked a little inaccurate but settled in quite nicely and started making an impact early in the second quarter. When the dust settled, Blackmon tossed the ball for 278 yards on 22 completions and a score. Not bad against a good N.C. state defense.
The Seminoles running game will need to step it up now more than ever. Not only do they need to keep pressure off of their new starting quarterback but they need to force teams to load the box. Unfortunately, Florida State hasn’t been able to run the ball effectively at all. Furthermore, not one tailback has registered a touchdown in 2017. Cam Akers leads this unit with 22 carries for 86 yards.
Wideout Auden Tate leads the receiving corps for the Seminoles. Through two games, he has caught 11 balls for 179 yards and two touchdowns. All of those are team-highs and he is definitely their number one pass catcher. To their dismay, he is listed as questionable with a sore shoulder.
The Florida State defense did okay in their loss to the Wolfpack. However, conceding 27 points at home is certainly not ideal. Altogether, they allowed 365 total yards which included 255 yards through the air. Once again, the squad did not force any turnovers. The Seminoles do have a stout defense and will need them to shut down the Demon Deacons if they want to get their first win of the year.
Wake Forest Deamon Deacons (4-0)
In the Deamon Deacons’ win over the Mountaineers, quarterback John Wolford was steady. Overall, he converted on 14 of 27 passes for 176 yards with two scores and no picks. For the year, Wolford has completed 50 passes for almost 700 yards with eight touchdown tosses and no mistakes. If Wake Forest wants to come out on top against the Seminoles, he will need to remain mistake free for all four quarters.
Quarterback John Wolford is also the Demon Deacons leading rusher. The dual-threat athlete has carried the rock 47 times for over 260 yards and three trips to pay-dirt. Three other tailbacks have at least 35 carries and three scores. Running back Arkeem Byrd is a close second, averaging (6.1ypc) and 233 more yards. He also has found the end zone once in 2017.
Wide receiver Greg Dortch is unequivocally Wake Forest’s go-to pass catcher. Quarterback John Wolford has connected with Dortch 20 times for 244 yards and five scores. Three other wideouts have eclipsed the hundred yard mark for the Demon Deacons’ offense and tight end Cam Serigne has reeled in four red-zone scores.
The Wake Forest defense was solid in the win last week. Although they did give way to 494 total yards, they kept the team in the contest throughout. The Demon Deacons pride themselves on strong defense which was their greatest strength last season. Through four games this year, Wake forest sits ninth in the nation allowing just under 12 points per game.
Prediction
The Demon Deacons have a chance to prove they belong in this game against the Seminoles. Plus, they seemed to have caught them when they are at their weakest they have been in years. Not only is Deondre Francois out for the year, the Seminoles might not have their number one receiver to help the newbie James Blackmon out.
Wake Forest also is getting some really good play from their quarterback position. John Wolford’s numbers might not be eye-popping but he is consistent and rarely puts his team in the hole. That is huge when you have to match-up against a faster, larger team.
One thing is for sure, Florida State will be playing for their lives on Saturday afternoon. James Blackmon did just fine at home against the Wolfpack. If he can reproduce that effort, that could be enough for the Seminoles to get the win. Either way, the offensive line better find ways to get the running game going or this one could stay tight throughout.
Odds gurus have the Florida State Seminoles as more than a touchdown favorite. They also have the game’s total pretty low at 46.5. I believe that Wake Forest can keep this game tight with the solid play of their defense and their dependable signal-caller.
The 46.5 over/under is just too low for me to bet for or against in this one. Instead, take the half point hook and cheer for the Demon Deacons to finally have a little time in the sun of their own. Florida State gets their first win 23-20 this Saturday.
Trends
The Seminoles are 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games.
The Under is 6-2 in the Seminoles last eight conference games.
The Demon Deacons are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.
The Over is 5-1 in the Demon Deacons last six home games.
The home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
