Coming off from a dramatic anc scary week, the Florida State (FSU) Seminoles survived what it was supposed to be an imminent loss without ace quarterback Jameis Winston against then-No 22 Clemson.
Florida State pulled off a nerve-jangling victory, 23-17, in overtime last Saturday to stay on top of the college football rankings. Without Winston, the Seminoles were totally a different team. Though they cherish the win through back up quarterback Sean Maguire, the Seminoles need Winston to go all the way.
Maguire threw for 305 yards and a touchdown but against two interceptions. He stayed compose by not turning the ball over in crucial moments of the game.
“The mental resolve of this football team, that’s why I love them,” coach Jimbo Fisher said. “They understand how to rally together, they understand how to pull together, and they understand how much they care for each other. I think they mentally got themselves back together.”
One of the major problems of the Seminoles was the ground game which produced only 13 yards in 27 carries. With the presence of Winston, the ground game would be changing differently from the previous outing.
Winston completed 16 of 26 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns over NC State in last year’s 49-17 victory at home. Moreover, the Seminoles are riding in a 19-game winning streak, which is the longest in the nation. Who can stop the Seminoles?
North Carolina State (4-0) is not a pushover ballclub. It has the manpower to create an upset against the top ranked Florida State.
The Wolfpack (4-0) are aiming for one of the best start of the school. This would be the first time to get into 5-0 since 2002 when they started 9-0. NC State averages 502 yards per game, No 1 in the ACC Conference.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is playing with high passer rating of 166.7. He completed 14 of 21 passes for 195 yards in a 42-0 win over Presbyterian last Saturday. At this time, he had 10 touchdown passes against one interception in four games.
With Brissett making his passes to his receivers in consistent manner, North Carolina State will have the making of an upset.
Florida State vs North Carolina State tv schedule is on ABC Regional.
Florida State vs NC State odds and point spread: -18.5 Seminoles
O/U 58.5
Will NC State beat FSU?