Tag: FSU

Sep 6, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the ACC logo during the first half of the game between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and the Brigham Young Cougars at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Reports: ACC working toward new revenue plan with Clemson, FSU

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Clemson and Florida State have been in frequent communication with the Atlantic Coast Conference recently as they continue to devise a plan that would give them a larger share of the league’s revenue, Yahoo Sports and ESPN reported Tuesday.

The two programs believe that any revenue that schools in the conference receive should be based off brand valuation and television ratings. Simply put, the more viewers and attention a program attracts, the more money it should get.

Should the ACC end up implementing a plan that caters to Clemson and Florida State’s wishes, the two programs would drop lawsuits that they currently have against the conference. The Tigers and Seminoles are suing the ACC in an attempt to back out of the conference’s grant of rights.

With the grant of rights, which is in effect through 2036, Clemson and Florida State’s media rights are attached to the conference itself.

The ACC countered with a lawsuit against the Tigers and Seminoles, but there hasn’t been much legal action taken between the sides.

Clemson and Florida State’s current talks with the ACC have been surface-level, and the two sides are still far from a settlement, per the reports. What the discussions do show is that both schools are determined to stay in the conference, as long as they receive enough financial compensation.

In addition to requesting that revenue gets based off ratings, the proposal brought forward by the Tigers and Seminoles also would shorten the term for the grant of rights.

ACC schools received an average of $44.8 million from the league in 2022-23, about $7 million less than Southeastern Conference schools. And with the SEC’s new television deal that started this year, the difference could go north of $30 million.

–Field Level Media

FSU football players participate in fall practice as the team prepares for Georgia Tech at the Albert J Dunlap training center on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024.

No. 10 Florida State, Georgia Tech kick off 2024 season in Dublin

Posted on | by Field Level Media

For 229 days, the college football world has awaited the return of the ever-changing sport.

No team is more eager to get back to the proving grounds than No. 10 Florida State.

Georgia Tech and Florida State kick off the 2024 season on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland. Saturday marks the ninth college football game played in the country.

A College Football Playoff bridesmaid in December, the Seminoles return depth from the 13-1 conference-championship winning team. Florida State brings back 73 players, including nine All-ACC members, an unprecedented number in today’s transfer portal-dominated landscape.

In the backfield, the Seminoles are led by fifth-year senior Lawrance Toafili, who rushed for 463 yards in 2023, when he backed up Trey Benson. Toafili was last year’s ACC Championship Game MVP and enters the season as Florida State’s leading returner in rushing and all-purpose yards.

The offense returns a receiving core of nine Seminoles who combined for 86 receptions for 1,195 yards and five touchdowns. Although the unit lost Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson and Jaheim Bell to the NFL Draft, a pair of experienced players in Mackey Award watch list tight end Kyle Morlock (19 receptions, 255 yards in 2023) and Ja’Khi Douglas (14-243) look to anchor the group.

Maybe the most vital piece of the Florida State roster is fifth-year transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. He takes over for Jordan Travis, the 2023 ACC Player of the Year whose season ended with a knee injury that shifted the Seminoles’ fortunes. Travis was a fifth-round pick of the Jets in April.

After an inconsistent career at Clemson from 2020-22, Uiagalelei found more success at Oregon State in 2023, passing for 2,638 yards and accounting for 27 total touchdowns.

Back in the ACC for a final go-around, the veteran quarterback is considered a key in the Seminoles’ bid for their first College Football Playoff appearance in a decade.

“DJ has played in a lot of football games,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said. “He’s seen it all. He’s been through the highs and lows. I could not be any more pleased with what I’ve seen since he got here in January. He’s playing with a lot of confidence. I’m excited to see him go play like he’s prepared. If he does that, I think he could have a very special season.”

In front of Uiagalelei, Florida State returns all-conference offensive linemen Darius Washington and Maurice Smith.

Florida State was left out of the playoff last season in part because of injuries at the quarterback position. But the Seminoles are 23-4 the past two seasons and don’t need a pep talk before taking the field in 2024.

Georgia Tech enters the season coming off its first winning campaign since 2018, and first bowl win since 2016. Brent Key has the program anticipating renewed success, but the Seminoles have dominated the series with a 13-4 advantage in regular-season ACC meetings (2-0 in ACC title games).

Dual-threat quarterback Haynes King, who threw for 2,842 yards and 27 touchdowns, while adding 737 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground in 2023, is back behind center for the Yellow Jackets.

“When I say (Haynes) has every skill and every bit of ability to be the best quarterback in the country, I mean it,” Key said. “We’re very excited for him.”

Last year’s leading rusher Jamal Haynes (1,059 yards, seven touchdowns) also returns for Tech.

Florida State’s offense gets plenty of publicity. The Seminoles have some youth on the other side of the ball, but defensive back Azareye’h Thomas said the group’s mindset paves the way for positives.

“They have speed, speed, speed. Our defense will have to mind our Ps and Qs,” Thomas said of playing Georgia Tech’s track athletes at wide receiver. “It starts in the meeting room. We watch film so that when we come out to practice, it’s easy.”

Key overturned a staff that ranked 97th in the country last year in points allowed. Duke’s defensive coordinator, Tyler Santucci, relocated to Atlanta. Under Santucci, the Blue Devils allowed just 19 points per game, best in the ACC.

“That’s why I got hired,” Santucci said. “Stop people, create takeaways … get the ball back to the offense and don’t let them score touchdowns. That’s not pressure. That’s our job.”

Georgia Tech is playing internationally for the second time. The Yellow Jackets topped Boston College 17-14 in the inaugural Aer Lingus Classic in 2016.

“It’s a great opportunity for Georgia Tech,” Key said. “It’ll be great for people to see the GT on a worldwide stage.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 4, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Florida State Seminoles helmet on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Former Florida St. QB Marcus Outzen dies at 46

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Marcus Outzen, who stepped in at starting quarterback to lead Florida State to the first BCS National Championship game in 1999, died Tuesday after a battle with a rare immune deficiency disorder. “The Rooster” was 46.

Outzen was recently diagnosed with HLH (Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), a severe inflammatory syndrome that prevents the immune system from functioning properly, the Tallahassee Democrat reported Wednesday.

“Rest In Peace @MarcusOutzen. I love you so much Dad,” his son Colton Outzen posted to X.

Outzen played at FSU from 1996-2000 as a career backup to QB Chris Weinke. However, a neck injury to Weinke late in the 1998 season thrust Outzen into the starting role. He led the Seminoles to wins over Wake Forest and archrival Florida and into the inaugural BCS National Championship game in Tempe, Ariz., where they lost to Tennessee, 23-16.

Outzen threw for 145 yards and rushed for a touchdown against the Volunteers.

Outzen returned to a backup role behind Weinke, who led FSU to the BCS Championship title over Virginia Tech the following year at the 2000 Sugar Bowl.

Outzen finished his career with 1,074 yards passing and five touchdowns against six interceptions.

Outzen lived in the Tampa Bay area with his wife and children.

“Marcus was a good friend to a lot of people,” former FSU teammate Bobby Rhodes told the Democrat. “People liked him, on and off the field. This is so sad.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 18, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13) waves to fans while being carted off after an injury against the North Alabama Lions during the first quarter at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

FSU QB Jordan Travis (leg) confirms season over

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis confirmed Monday that his season and his Seminoles career is over after he suffered a devastating leg injury on Saturday.

The social media post follows a video he shared from his hospital bed on Sunday. It’s unclear if Travis, a senior, was still in the hospital Monday. Travis suffered the gruesome-looking injury during the first quarter of the Seminoles’ 58-13 win against North Alabama on Saturday night at Tallahassee, Fla.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support from my teammates, coaches, the Florida State community and those all around the world,” Travis wrote in a post to X. “Although the injury I sustained (Saturday) marks the end of my Seminole playing career, the great memories created here at FSU will never fade.

“… I am excited to be by my brothers’ sides every day as we continue our attack. We’re all we got, we’re all we need. Job’s not finished.”

Florida State was No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings heading into the game vs. North Alabama. The next rankings will be released Tuesday night as FSU (11-0) prepares to play Florida on Saturday behind backup QB Tate Rodemaker. The Seminoles were overtaken by Washington (11-0) in Sunday’s Associated Press Top 25 rankings and fell a spot to No. 5.

Travis was injured on a tackle by North Alabama’s Shaun Myers after a 16-yard gain. He motioned for the training staff and soon had his lower leg put into an air cast. He was taken via ambulance to a nearby hospital.

The exact nature of his injury has not been disclosed.

On Sunday, Travis was upbeat in a video message.

“What’s up, y’all? It’s Jordan,” he said. “Just want to let you know I’m doing good, feeling good, I got a smile on my face. I’m just gonna follow God’s plan. … I appreciate you all for all the messages. Go Noles.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 4, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal looks on during the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Miami looks to revive season vs. No. 4 Florida State

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One win would change everything.

That’s the opportunity facing the Miami Hurricanes, who travel to Tallahassee, Fla., to visit the fourth-ranked Florida State Seminoles on Saturday.

Miami’s disappointing season — including a stunning last-second loss to Georgia Tech that would’ve been a victory had the Hurricanes simply taken a knee with time winding down — can be salvaged in a sense with a triumph over the school’s biggest rival.

However, the Seminoles (9-0, 7-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) are favored by two touchdowns and a serious threat to win their first national title since 2013.

Worse yet for Miami (6-3, 2-3), quarterback Tyler Van Dyke seems to have lost his confidence — to the point that coach Mario Cristobal hasn’t ruled out benching him in favor of true freshman Emory Williams.

Van Dyke is a capable QB, proving that in 2021 when he averaged 293 passing yards per game and threw 25 touchdown passes with just six interceptions. Earlier this season, in a signature 48-33 win over Texas A&M, Van Dyke completed 21 of 30 passes for 374 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions.

However, in the past two games, Van Dyke averaged just 168 passing yards while tossing no TD passes and getting intercepted five times.

Cristobal this week suggested that injuries are a factor.

“(Van Dyke) has been banged up,” Cristobal said. “But the bottom line is that we have regressed in the passing game. It was our strength earlier in the year, and it hasn’t been good (lately).”

Williams, in his only career start, beat Clemson 28-20 in double overtime on Oct. 21. The Hurricanes played it conservatively in that game and Williams completed 24 of 33 passes for 151 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

As for the Florida State series, Miami leads 35-32. However, the Seminoles are looking for their third straight win in the series and 13th in the past 19 meetings with the Hurricanes.

A fascinating matchup to watch for on Saturday pits Florida State’s wide receivers against Miami’s cornerbacks.

Star Seminoles receivers Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman missed the team’s 24-7 win over Pitt last week.

Wilson, who sat out the Seminoles’ past two games, returned to practice this week — welcome news for coach Mike Norvell.

“I do see us being in a better spot,” Norvell said of his receivers’ health entering the Miami game. “What that means, we’ll see.”

Coleman (538) and Wilson (415) are Florida State’s top two players in receiving yards. They have also combined for 11 receiving TDs. No other Florida State player has more than two TD catches.

Further, Wilson is 6-foot-7, and Coleman 6-4, giving sixth-year quarterback Jordan Travis two imposing targets.

Miami could be vulnerable in the secondary due to injuries that hit two of its top three cornerbacks last week. Both Jaden Davis and Daryl Porter Jr. were hurt in Miami’s 20-6 loss at North Carolina State.

The only certainty for Miami at cornerback is that Te’Cory Couch will play. But losing Davis and/or Porter could hinder the Hurricanes’ upset hopes.

Florida State leads the ACC in points scored per game (39.6) and is third in points allowed (17.0). Miami ranks fifth in scoring offense (32.1) and fourth in scoring defense (20.0).

Miami will need to stop running back Trey Benson and Travis.

Benson ranks third in the ACC in yards per rush (6.6) and is sixth in rushing yards (641).

Travis ranks second in the league in passing yards (2,469) and has produced 190 yards and seven TDs on the ground.

–Field Level Media

Nov 4, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13) passes the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

‘Nole body better? No. 4 FSU has shortest CFP odds

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Florida State remained No. 4 in the second College Football Playoff rankings released Tuesday night, but oddsmakers see the Seminoles with the easiest path to the final four.

The top eight teams remained unchanged from the initial CFP rankings released last week, including Florida State being fourth behind Ohio State, Georgia and Michigan.

However, the Seminoles have already clinched a spot in the ACC championship game. Their likely opponent is No. 11 Louisville, which has remaining regular-season games against Virginia, Miami and Kentucky.

Florida State has -320 odds to reach the CFP at DraftKings, where Georgia is -240 and Michigan is -160. Interestingly, Ohio State is +110 behind even No. 6 Oregon (-110), with the Buckeyes staring at a Nov. 25 road showdown against the Wolverines to close the regular season.

The Ducks, who are working toward a rematch against No. 5 Washington in a potential Pac-12 title game, are being offered at -140 ahead of the Huskies at +155 to win the conference.

While Florida State has the shortest odds to reach the CFP, the Seminoles are not the title favorites.

That honor currently belongs to Michigan at +220, followed by Georgia (+260) and then Florida State (+600). Ohio State is being offered at +700 ahead of Alabama at +800 and Oregon at +1000. Washington is +1200 to win the title.

The most title money at the book has supported Michigan, with the Wolverines drawing 14 percent of the total bets and money wagered. Next are Ohio State at 14 percent and 13 percent, respectively, and Alabama at 11 percent and 9 percent, respectively.

CFP RANKINGS
1. Ohio State
2. Georgia
3. Michigan
4. Florida State
5. Washington
6. Oregon
7. Texas
8. Alabama
9. Ole Miss
10. Penn State
11. Louisville
12. Oregon State
13. Tennessee
14. Missouri
15. Oklahoma State
16. Kansas
17. Oklahoma
18. Utah
19. LSU
20. Notre Dame
21. Arizona
22. Iowa
23. Tulane
24. North Carolina
25. Kansas State

–Field Level Media

Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13) runs out of bounds. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Duke Blue Devils 38-20 on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

No. 4 Florida State puts perfect mark on line at Wake Forest

Posted on | by Field Level Media

No. 4 Florida State aims to keep its unbeaten streak rolling on Saturday in Winston-Salem, N.C., when it opposes Wake Forest.

The Seminoles (7-0, 5-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) are coming off a 38-20 home win over then-No. 16 Duke. It wasn’t easy though, as Florida State trailed by double digits early in the second quarter. The Seminoles outscored the Blue Devils 21-0 in the fourth to close out the win.

While Florida State is aiming for a spot in the College Football Playoff, Wake Forest (4-3, 1-3) is simply trying to go bowling for the eighth consecutive season in Dave Clawson’s 10 years at the helm. The Demon Deacons are coming off their first conference victory of the season, a 21-17 nail-biter against visiting Pitt. Wake Forest scored the go-ahead touchdown — a 15-yard pass from Santino Marucci to Cameron Hite — with seven seconds left.

The win against the Panthers was Marucci’s first career start at quarterback. A year ago, he played quarterback, running back and safety. He completed 12 of 21 passes vs. Pitt for 151 yards and threw two picks, but when the game hung in the balance, he made the plays necessary for the Demon Deacons.

“Santino was backpedaling, playing safety a year ago,” Clawson said. “We went into this and we said, ‘Let’s put this on the O-line, let’s put this on the backs, let’s give him some quick screens, maybe some play-action bootlegs.’ And then, at the end of the game, we had to let him play.”

Marucci entered this season as Wake Forest’s third-string quarterback. He was thrust into action against Pitt due to injuries to starter Mitch Griffis and backup Michael Kern.

It’s unclear who will start for Wake Forest against Florida State, but Seminoles coach Mike Norvell is preparing for Griffis to step back in under center and to be the orchestrator of Clawson’s signature offensive scheme.

“We’ll plan for (Griffis) and be able to adjust to whatever shows up and whatever the situation is,” Norvell said. “They’ve got talented receivers. What they do schematically offensively is really tough, just with the slow mesh read, it’s something that’s unique to their program (and) is really unique to college football and how they operate it.”

Meanwhile, Wake Forest’s defense will have to prepare to face Florida State’s Jordan Travis, who has played like one of the best quarterbacks in the country this season. Travis is tied for the ACC lead in touchdowns-responsible-for with 20, and he is second in the conference in passing efficiency rating with a mark of 153.4. He leads an offense that takes care of the ball with just 0.6 turnovers per game.

Against Duke, Travis threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns with one interception while also rushing for 62 yards and a score.

“I thought Jordan was remarkable,” Norvell said of Travis’ play vs. the Blue Devils. “Especially in the second half, really just did a wonderful job with his arms, legs, decision-making and all things.”

Travis is 0-2 in his career against Wake Forest. Florida State hasn’t beaten the Demon Deacons since 2018 but still owns the series with a 30-9-1 record.

–Field Level Media

Sep 16, 2023; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Johnny Wilson (14) makes a catch during the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Florida State star WR Johnny Wilson out vs. Syracuse

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Florida State was without wide receiver Johnny Wilson for Saturday’s matchup with visiting Syracuse.

Wilson left last Saturday’s game against Virginia Tech with an apparent lower body injury in the third quarter. He was helped off the field to the medical tent and ultimately did not return to the game.

Prior to the injury, Wilson caught four passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns, his first TDs of the season. He leads the team with 357 receiving yards and is tied with Keon Coleman for first on the team with 20 catches.

Florida State went into Saturday’s game 5-0 overall and was tied for first place in the ACC at 3-0 with Louisville.

–Field Level Media

Sep 23, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13) in the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4 Florida State looks to smash Syracuse again

Posted on | by Field Level Media

No. 4 Florida State is one of four Atlantic Coast Conference teams that are undefeated in league play.

The Seminoles (5-0, 3-0) may be the best of the bunch, but in order to support that claim, they’ll need to defeat visiting Syracuse (4-2, 0-2) on Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla.

Florida State is in the midst of a three-game homestand that began last weekend with a 39-17 victory over Virginia Tech. The Seminoles have tallied at least 31 points in every game this season and rank sixth in the nation in scoring (42.4).

Jordan Travis is the engine driving the Seminoles, as he’s passed for 12 touchdowns with only one interception. He has thrown two TDs with no picks in each of the last four games and completed a season-high 75 percent of his passes against the Hokies.

“I’m not going to enjoy watching him play,” quipped Syracuse coach Dino Babers, “but when you get done, he’s one of those guys that you do turn on the TV to watch because he plays at an extremely high level.”

Travis lit up the Orange last season, completing 21 of 23 passes for 155 yards and three TDs in a 38-3 shellacking. The Seminoles lead the all-time series 13-2 and are 7-0 at home against Syracuse.

Babers knows the challenge that awaits his team, which has been outscored 71-21 over the last two weeks and is in the midst of a 34-day stretch without a home game.

“We’ve beaten a team in the top five before, but it’s very, very difficult to do, and it’s extremely difficult to do when you’re at their place,” Babers said.

If they have any hopes of pulling the upset, the Orange will need a big day out of Garrett Shrader. The senior signal-caller has been held under 200 yards passing in three of the last four games and has thrown at least one interception in four straight contests.

He also has rushed for a total of 102 yards in the last three games after erupting for 195 rushing yards and four scores in last month’s win over Purdue.

“Obviously you look at the course of work that he’s done over the last couple years, he’s a very talented player and can do a lot of great things with his arm,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said. “If you account for everybody in the passing game and don’t have eyes and a body on him, he’ll definitely make you pay as a runner.”

On the other side of the ball, Syracuse leans on a dangerous defensive line that has helped the Orange lead the ACC in tackles for loss (7.8 per game). Linebacker Marlowe Wax is a major factor as well, having registered a team-high 45 tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks and an interception.

“You’re not going to see a team that brings more variations of pressures,” Norvell said. “Just the different looks from three down to four down to — they can blitz everybody on the field at some point. You have to be great with your eyes. You have to be great with your technique. We had a couple slow reactions where we gave up pressures there the other day.”

–Field Level Media

The Florida State Seminoles football team hit the field for its fourth practice of the fall season on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.

FSU vs LSU: Preview, Prop Pick & Prediction

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The marquee college football game of the week is Sunday night’s clash between the No. 8 Florida State Seminoles and the No. 5 LSU Tigers in Orlando.

The teams met last season in New Orleans, with Florida State winning 24-23.

Both schools feature senior quarterbacks among the top three in futures odds to win the Heisman Trophy. Both possess top-shelf run/pass ability and are elite caretakers of the football.

Jordan Travis led Florida State last season with 24 touchdown passes to only five interceptions, while Jayden Daniels, firmly entrenched as the LSU leader, threw 17 touchdown passes with only three picks.

Florida State’s standout defensive lineman Jared Verse seeks to slow LSU’s multipronged attack, while Tigers linebacker Harold Perkins will try to thwart a Seminoles offense that ranked among the top 20 in points last season — and brought in plenty of help via the transfer portal including Michigan State wide receiver Keon Coleman.

–Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
–Television: ABC
–Location: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
–Point Spread: LSU (-2.5)

QUICK PICK
These teams are evenly matched and equally motivated.

With little margin for error, the Tigers and Seminoles view this prime-time duel as a huge hurdle to clear en route to College Football Playoff contention.

With Daniels and the usual impressive complement of skill position help, LSU carries a narrow edge in experience and playmaking ability.

Florida State’s offense could find trouble as the LSU defense, keyed by Perkins, is likely to disrupt the Seminoles scheme to some degree.

That said, if Florida State establishes the run, the LSU pass rush would become less of an issue.

Bookmakers don’t seem to be moving off the 2.5-point line in favor of LSU, so Florida State backers aren’t likely to get the 3-point cushion unless they accept the added juice.

Our Pick: LSU 30, Florida State 24

THE NEWS
Florida State doubled its win total from 2021 with a 10-3 mark last season under coach Mike Norvell, who begins his fourth year with FSU. The Seminoles enter Sunday night’s game with their highest preseason ranking since 2017.

LSU, under coach Brian Kelly, continues to build on its recent success – the Tigers won the national title following the 2019 season behind quarterback Joe Burrow and receivers JaMarr Chase and Justin Jefferson – and are approaching the popularity of SEC brethren Alabama and Georgia.

“The LSU brand is strong; it’s more than just football,” Kelly said, adding, “It’s a major, national brand.”

Supporting that sentiment, via LSU, is the social media account impressions in August (FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram):

1. LSU, 357 million
2. Ohio State, 313m
3. Alabama, 265m
4. Michigan, 228m
5. Oklahoma, 173m

The Orlando location, despite being in Florida, isn’t likely to prove much of an edge for Florida State; the LSU fan base travels notoriously well.

THEY SAID IT
“A majority of the players came back, a majority of the leaders came back. … We won 10 games last year. Now, people are looking at us to win more, so all eyes are on us. … Last year we were trying to hunt the Alabamas and Georgias down. But now people are looking at us like, ‘OK, we need to hunt them down,’ so we’re being hunted but at the end of the day we still gotta have the mindset we’re still the hunters.”
— LSU QB Jayden Daniels on the Hey Fightin’ Podcast

KEY STAT
It’s the quarterbacks, both of whom played all 14 games last season: Daniels threw for 2,913 yards and rushed for another 885. Florida State’s Travis threw for 3,214 yards and ran for another 417.

PROP PICK
The playmakers on these teams set the stage for an entertaining matchup, with NFL scouts watching closely. Daniels now is fully aware of the pressure that comes with elite-level opponents. He’ll be able to take Kelly’s cues and lead the Tigers to a quick start.
With Perkins leading the motivated LSU defense, the Seminoles should face enough uncertainty for the offense to struggle early.
LSU (first half, -0.5, -110) is the play.

–Field Level Media