NFL Tickets
TV Schedule: Saturday, September 5, 5pm ET on ESPN
Location: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Line: Florida State (-29)
Let’s not pretend like this is anything more than a warmup game for the No. 10 Florida State Seminoles, who take on the lowly Texas State Bobcats to kick off their 2015 campaign.
This will be the first opportunity for us to take a look at Everett Golson, the Seminoles’ new starting quarterback — and Notre Dame transfer. The former Fighting Irish gunslinger certainly has the physical tools to excel under center in Tallahassee, but will need to cut down on turnovers and make better decisions if Florida State has any hope of returning to the College Football Playoff this season.
It doesn’t help that he also has some big shoes to fill after the departure of Jameis Winston, who just so happens to be a Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.
We should also get a good look at running backs Dalvin Cook and Mario Pender, who should have no problem running up and down the Texas State defense. Although some people won’t be happy to see Cook on the field (despite recently being cleared of battery charges), the sophomore back should keep the momentum going from his outstanding freshman campaign. Also look for wide receiver Travis Rudolph to make a big impact through the air.
The Seminoles lost a few major pieces to their offense this offseason, so it’ll be interesting to see the chemistry between the new group of starters as the 2015 season gets under way.
The Florida State defense, led by safety Jalen Ramsey, should have no trouble slowing the Bobcats’ offense. Although Texas State offers a few capable playmakers — running back Robert Lowe and quarterback Tyler Jones, for example — the lack of overall athleticism, speed and strength up front should be way too much for the Bobcats to overcome. This will be a good warmup for the Seminoles defense, which is bringing along a few new starters.
Although I wouldn’t expect the Florida State offense to be as prolific as it has been in the past, the Seminoles should still cruise to victory. This will be the perfect opportunity for Golson to ease into his new role while the defense develops some chemistry after suffering significant loses last season via the NFL Draft.
I would ever venture to say the Bobcats don’t crack the red zone on offense. Just saying.
Prediction: Florida State 27, Texas State 3
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