Breaking Down the 2013 Florida State Seminoles Football Schedule

Florida State: Breaking Down the 2013 Schedule

The Florida State Seminoles are entering into one of the biggest seasons in recent memory in school history. Why? Well, with loads of talent returning to a team that finished the 2012 season 12-2 with an ACC title, this team under head coach Jimbo Fisher has the highest expectations of any Seminole squad in years.

Losing quarterback and two-year superb starter, EJ Manuel, will be a tough pill to swallow for this team moving forward, but in this case, the Seminoles reloaded at the QB position. Jameis Winston is one of the most hyped quarterbacks in school history and he’s only a redshirt freshman.

Talented, young gunslingers are always welcome in college football and one that can also run will be a bonus. This guy has the potential to be as inhuman on the field as Johnny Manziel and his personality is second to none off the field.

It’s not too often a guy is this hyped up before he even takes a snap at the collegiate level, but Winston is in a league of his own. Don’t be surprised if he becomes the second straight freshman to contend for the Heisman.

With guys like running back Devonta Freeman and wide out Rashad Greene, the Seminoles have many key pieces to back Winston even with the loss of top rusher from 2012, Chris Thompson.

Can the Seminoles win their second ACC title in as many seasons? They have the talent on defense and offense to give them a legitimate shot at the title. Let’s see how they fare in 2013?

Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Sept. 2: at Pittsburgh

Losing two key running backs from the offense in 2012, Pittsburgh is surely to see its season pegged as a rebuilding one. Pitt's defense, however, is one of the best in the nation and returning eight starters to the formidable squad can make for an interesting 'welcome to college football' game for Winston.

PREDICTION: FSU 30, Pitt 14

Sept. 14: Nevada

With one of the best offenses in college football and one of the worst defenses, Nevada simply tries to out-score teams. Trying to outscore the Seminoles won't be easy, however, even with dual-threat quarterback Cody Fajardo.

PREDICTION: Nevada 28, FSU 41

Sept. 21: Bethune-Cookman

Playing their only tough game of the season, Bethune-Cookman will aim to be a thorn in the side of the Seminoles, but we all know that's not going to happen. Florida State will surely dominate this non-FBS school.

PREDICTION: Bethune-Cookman 3, FSU 44

Sept. 28: at Boston College

Boston College hasn't been a serious threat to anyone since the days of Matt Ryan. That continues today as the Eagles will likely be no contest for the Seminoles in their first conference game. Although the Eagles are returning 14 starters, including quarterback Chase Rettig, they don't have enough firepower to take down the Seminoles at home.

PREDICTION: FSU 37, Boston College 7

Oct. 5: Maryland

With only 12 returning starters, the Maryland Terrapins are entering into yet another rebuilding season with C.J. Brown at quarterback and Stefon Diggs as the top returning wide out. Diggs can bring an extra level of athleticism to the field, but not enough to get past the fierce Seminole defense.

PREDICTION: Maryland 13, Florida State 28

Oct. 19: at Clemson

The Clemson Tigers will likely face the daunting task of taking down the Seminoles after a 5-0 start. Good thing they have Tajh Boyd and a dynamic offensive weapon with Sammy Watkins. Oh, and I guess it doesn't hurt to be playing at home.

PREDICTION: FSU 33, Clemson 38

Oct. 26: North Carolina State

North Carolina State is returning a mere 10 starters from last season. Couple that with the loss of quarterback Mike Glennon and wide out Tobias Palmer and you have a tough match-up with the Seminoles' talented squad.

PREDICTION: North Carolina State 20, FSU 35

Nov. 2: Miami

Usually experience plays a huge role in a team's performance. That might be the case for Miami this season as they are returning 20 starters from last year's squad. On the other hand, the Seminoles will shows that talent trumps experiences every now and then -- although slowing down Duke Johnson won't be easy.

PREDICTION: Miami 16, FSU 38

Nov. 9: at Wake Forest

Wake Forest will be a nice break from the grueling early-season schedule, but entering the game 7-1, the Seminoles will be on a role and ready to run over any weak team in their way. Sorry Wake Forest, but you are just not strong enough to take down this wrecking ball.

PREDICTION: FSU 42, Wake Forest 24

Nov. 16: Syracuse

By adding a new head coach to the program, Syracuse will look to end its reign as one of the stereotypical 'basketball' schools. What I mean by this is that the Orange are primarily known for the sport of basketball and less for the fact that they also have a football team. Losing Ryan Nassib won't help that, though.

PREDICTION: Syracuse 10, FSU 27

Nov. 23: Idaho

It's no secret, the Idaho Vandals are one of the worst teams in college football. Anything could happen in college football, but this 1-11 squad from 2012 will have zero chance of winning at Florida State. Sorry, underdog fiends.

PREDICTION: Idaho 6, FSU 51

Nov. 30: at Florida

In what could ultimately be the Seminoles toughest game of the 2013 season, the Florida Gators come in as one of the top teams in the SEC. Playing an in-state rival on the road is an unwanted task, but the possibility of beating the Gators this season is high. Too bad for the Gator home-field advantage, though.

PREDICTION: FSU 14, Florida 17

Florida State finishes the season 10-2 and a serious run at another ACC title.