Florida State takes on Notre Dame to start the 2021 season. The game will be played in Tallahassee, Fla. at 7:30 p.m.
Here’s how the staff at Noles247 sees this weekend’s matchup playing out:
Chris Nee
How FSU could win: Hit on the basics when it comes to winning – value the ball, win the turnover battle, avoid back-breaking offensive or defensive penalties.
Offensively, I think FSU has to be adamant about trying to run the ball and doing it in a variety of ways – quarterback(s), running backs, and even getting some of the outside skill involve. I don’t know how much success FSU can have running it playing straight-up, trying to win the line of scrimmage football. I think they will need to be creative in the rushing attack (option work, shovel passes, etc.). Try to get to the second level against Notre Dame by using their aggressiveness/advantage at the line of scrimmage against them. In the passing attack, I expect a lot of screen work – so outside blocking and second-level blocking is essential – and an effort of hitting some shot plays. When the shot play is there, FSU has to cash in. FSU has to be a better 1-on-1 offensive team than a season ago.
On the defensive side of the ball, FSU has to make Notre Dame earn anything and everything offensively. Hopefully the rushing defense nightmare against Notre Dame of a season ago is resolved and inspires the effort on Sunday evening. Hit Kyren Williams early and often. I think FSU should pack the box, focus on the backs and tight ends, and give ND wide receivers 1-on-1 opportunities – especially down the field – that force Jack Coan to make throws that he isn’t accustomed to in the college game after living a dink-and-dunk life at Wisconsin.
How FSU could lose: Being sloppy will spell the end of an upset effort for the Seminoles. They simply cannot afford to be their own enemy or give the Irish additional possessions or favorable field position. They are facing too good of a team to get away with such miscues.
I think the Irish front seven on defense has a strong advantage against FSU at the line of scrimmage. If FSU isn’t able to work around that shortcoming, it could be very difficult for FSU’s offense to find success. Also, Kyle Hamilton is the type of safety that can effectively eliminate large portions of the field.
Notre Dame’s identity as a run-first team is going to be something they establish on Sunday. While they are breaking in several new offensive linemen, the Irish should still be able to muster a strong rushing attack. We saw a season ago when they run wild. While tight end Michael Mayer is well established as a high-level target, it will be interesting to see what wide receiver, if any, emerges on Sunday. If I had to pick a name, I’d go Kevin Austin.
I think the depth and the physicality of the Irish ultimately wins out.
Preidction: Notre Dame 34, FSU 24
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Josh Newberg
How FSU could win: It’s the start of a new season and anything can happen. But for FSU to win, they’re going to need a lot to go their way early in the game. Getting the playmakers like Andrew Parchment, Keyshawn Helton and Jashaun Corbin in position to make plays will be vitally important. FSU’s offense will need to find their groove quickly and the ‘Noles defense must play physical. Notre Dame will likely try to establish the run, FSU’s defensive line and linebackers need to rise to the occasion. This is a home game and a quick start for FSU could make for a magical night in Doak.
How FSU could lose: This game will be won in the trenches. If FSU’s defense can’t stop the run it will open Notre Dame up to a lot of options. We’ve heard all summer how FSU’s defensive line is the strength of the team. If they can’t stop the run and get pressure on QB Jack Coan, they could be in for a long night.
On the other side of the ball, it’ll be important for FSU’s offensive line to remain healthy. This year’s offensive line is better than last year’s, but an injury or two and it could spell big trouble for whoever is at quarterback. Notre Dame will test them early and often. The ‘Noles will be in trouble if they can’t stop Notre Dame from running the football or getting to the quarterback.
Prediction: Notre Dame 28, FSU 17
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Brendan Sonnone
How FSU could win: There will come a time, probably very early in the game, where Notre Dame’s physicality on offense presents itself. FSU will take a punch to the chin, but how does it respond? If the Seminoles’ defense answers the call and returns fire with its own form of physicality — this isn’t a huge defense, but it is fast and has athletes throughout the secondary and in a couple spots up front — then FSU is in business. This defense will allow some chunk plays, but it’s done a nice job creating big plays as well all preseason. Limiting Notre Dame from asserting itself in the run game and forcing QB Jack Coan to throw deep will lead to good things.
On offense, the Seminoles will generate splash plays. There’s athleticism at QB and RB, and I think the receivers are in a better place than I expected them to be entering camp. If the offensive line can stay healthy through the game, there’s enough firepower to work with and pull off an upset. I don’t think FSU is going to sustain drives, but if it can hit enough chunk plays — through deep shots, an assortment of screens, and QB runs — then that will be enough to remain competitive and score with Notre Dame.
This is all in addition to some basics of pulling off an upset: Win the turnover battle, find hidden yards on special teams, and capitalize on momentum, at home.
How FSU could lose: If the defense doesn’t respond well to getting punched in the mouth, it could be a long night.
Notre Dame can’t continually win on early downs on both sides of the ball, because FSU isn’t equipped to deal with that scenario. On offense, I fear the line isn’t improved quite enough to overcome 3rd-and-long scenarios against a stout defensive front. On defense, FSU’s best personnel groupings will be on passing downs…so it’s essential to get Notre Dame in passing situations. But that can only happen if you slow down the run and the intermediate passing game with TE Michael Mayer.
This game will come down to winning in the trenches on early downs. I fear that FSU is at a disadvantage in this area on both sides of the ball (the defensive line should be stout, but the linebackers are tough to totally buy into until I see them win consistently vs. the run on Sunday).
Ultimately, I think Notre Dame wears FSU down as the game progresses.
Prediction: Notre Dame 31, FSU 23
