Florida St. vs. VT

[Low Rollin' 'Noles Fan]

What are everyone's thoughts on this game?

Call me a homer, but I'm likely going to be making my biggest play of the week on my 'Noles.

A few things concern me though:

-Dekota Watson, starting LB, out for the game with injury. Good news is that he's been hurt all season, and FSU has capable bodies to replace him. Nigel Bradham (#1 LB last year) is a stud, and while he's still raw, he plays with a sh*tload of intensity and athletic talent. Derek Nicholson at MLB is absolutely solid and makes the LB's around him better too, imho.

-Will Furlong, OL is out. Insert yet another true freshman, making that three true freshman starting for FSU on the offensive line. Scary. Good news is that Coach Trickett knows his shit and (while perhaps just coach-speak), says there shouldn't be a drop-off.

-Bert Reed, star WR and punt returner, is suspended for the game. Sounds like academic issues. He made the great play to take the lead in the NCST game last Thursday, and is a true playmaker. Losing him will hurt, especially with the bubble screens FSU loves to run. Good news is FSU is loaded at WR; its deepest position by far.

Historically FSU has VT's number. I think Bowden is 7-1 against the Hokies. They were beating them last year in Blacksburg before Weatherford got lit up and Ponder had to come in and commit a bunch of turnovers, and that was with a solid VT team and a down FSU team. This year I think FSU is improved while VT is far worse. VT can't pass the ball, and FSU's strength is stopping the run.

Tyrod Taylor obviously scares me, but I think Bowden tells Mickey Andrews to key on him with a spy (Myron Rolle), and Taylor spends all his energy scrambling around for 3 yard gains. By the 4th quarter, I expect a couple frustration INT's.

FSU's offense is nothing special yet though. I'm still not sold on it, despite all the points they put up against a talented (but very young) Miami defense. Ponder is not a good passer at all, as he can only find his primary receiver and fails to check-down if it's not open. But I think Jimbo knows this, and will be looking to keep Ponder running, and keep him throwing short stuff that simply gets the ball in the hands of the offensive playmakers, aka incredible athletes like Smith, Surrency, Carr, Easterling, Parker, etc.

Oh, and the game is at Doak.

I'm rolling with my 'Noles big this weekend (something I know I shouldn't do as a biased 'Noles fan), but it's my POW.

FSU 27
VT 14

 

[CoachCB]

First off, Bowden ain't tellin Mickey to do anything! Mickey will do just fine.

I'm still not sold on this FSU team. I am impressed w/ their play so far (minus the debacle against Wake). They still have a few tough games ahead, but they have done a good job with what they have. There are a few FSU players out this game, so it will be interesting to see how they respond.

I'm up here in the DC area right now (have been for about 5 months) and this is VT territory. I was surprised they laid an egg against BC. But, they've played a few close games leading up to that loss. They are coming off of a loss, so it's tough to tell. I think VT is as good or better than FSU...but the game is at FSU. So, if I was to bet this I'd probably take FSU and lay the points. But, I'm staying off this one.


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[Low Rollin' 'Noles Fan]

As good or better than FSU? I just don't see it.

VT has not looked good to me this year. The defense has been pretty good, but their offense is horrible. The only way I see VT winning this game is if FSU struggles big time on offense and turns the ball over and gives VT easy scores. VT simply doesn't have the offense to consistently move the ball all the way down the field against this FSU defense.

But we'll see. It's college football, so mistakes happen all the time and shit happens. On paper though, this looks like an easy FSU cover. Guess we'll know by 7 or so Saturday night...

 

[FairWarning]

If a few things concern you, why is it your biggest play? They are playing better, but I like VT here. Probably a very good under too.

 

[Low Rollin' 'Noles Fan]

Because I think I know this team better than any other team I put money on, and I think this is a good spot for them.

Just my two cents on the game though. I'm curious to know why you like VT.

 

[bigtendominator]

FSU wins this game for 4 reasons

1) FSU has the better D. Also, VT has not been able to run the ball consistently and won't get it going against FSU.

2) Ponder brings and added dimension at QB. His mobility allows Fisher to use some option looks, along with keeping plays alive and finding receivers down field.

3) Smith is running like a beast the last few weeks. VT struggled against BC and BC has not run the ball successfully much this season. FSU will be balanced and will be able to sustain drives against VT.

4) Tyrod Taylor- He is the only big time playmaker the Hokies have on offense. While he has looked great at times, the offense struggled against a solid BC defense. FSU will be able to contain Taylor's speed and will force VT to throw once they fall behind.

FSU 27-17

 

[FairWarning]

Because I think I know this team better than any other team I put money on, and I think this is a good spot for them.

Just my two cents on the game though. I'm curious to know why you like VT.

17-4 ATS as a dog including wins at Nebraska and UNC this year. They will make the game ugly and that is their style. I know they are down a notch this year.

 

[Powercat31825]

FSU is my second favorite play on the board. The defense is nasty; it should be a long day for Tyrod.

 

[Low Rollin' 'Noles Fan]

Good enough.

 

[AR_23]

3rd string QB for VT. FSU isnt as good as people think

 

[Low Rollin' 'Noles Fan]

Shit happens when you play the Florida State defense.