Notre Dame vs. Florida State: Game Preview With TV Schedule

By Connor Muldowney @Connormuldowney on October 14, 2014

If you’re the Florida State Seminoles, you probably feel a bit slighted for dropping to No. 2 in the polls behind an SEC team — as are usually favorited by the media — that wasn’t ranked three weeks ago. The Seminoles are going to be playing this game with something to prove and a win at home against the No. 5 team in the land will surely put them back up to No. 1.

On the other hand, if you’re the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, you have to be grateful for being ranked No. 5 in the nation with one win against a ranked opponent — that opponent is now slotted No. 23 in the nation after nearly falling out of the rankings. Beginning the year ranked No. 17, the Fighting Irish have shot up in the polls after a 6-0 start.

Reigning Heisman winner Jameis Winston is under investigation for multiple violations at the moment, but barring a suspension, he will be a Heisman finalist once again. The sophomore has passed for 1,605 yards and 11 touchdowns to go along with five picks while completing 70 percent of his passes on the year. Rashad Greene has taken over No. 1 receiver duties with the departure of Kelvin Benjamin — and he has been nothing short of fantastic. Greene has accounted for 683 yards and three touchdowns on 44 catches as tight end Nick O’Leary has also been solid, ranking second on the team with 24 catches for 275 yards and two scores. Senior running back Karlos Williams struggled early to take the reigns in the run game, but has come on as of late, rushing for 353 yards and five scores. Dalvin Cook and Mario Pender have been solid in limited time, averaging 5.3 and 6.3 yards per carry, respectively, with 450 yards and seven scores combined.

Although Everett Golson faced a year-long suspension in 2013, he has come back to take the nation by storm in 2014, turning heads and opening Heisman voters’ eyes. The senior quarterback and second-year starter has been successful in every regard this season, passing for 1,683 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions while rushing for 209 yards and four scores. If you want to talk about reliable quarterbacks, Golson has been the poster child this year. Disappointing news has come out that suspended wide out DaVaris Daniels won’t return to play at Notre Dame this year — and possibly ever again — but the Irish have been satisfied with the play of this year’s top targets, William Fuller and Corey Robinson. Fuller leads the team with 504 yards and seven touchdowns on 35 catches while Robinson has 19 catches for 260 yards and two scores. The rushing offense hasn’t been as successful this season, ranking 69th in the country behind Tarean Folston‘s team-leading 263 yards and two scores.

Defensively, the Fighting Irish have been very successful this season. Notre Dame ranks eighth in points allowed per game while ranking a solid 33rd in total yards allowed per contest. Notre Dame has been solid against the run, allowing just over 100 yards per game on the ground, but struggling a bit against the pass. Florida State ranks 30th in points allowed per game, but a lesser 42nd in total yards allowed per game. The Seminoles were a top-five unit a season ago, but have struggled some this year. The Tallahassee crowd at Doak Campbell will be wild for this epic battle of top-five teams.

Notre Dame will travel to Florida State to take on the Seminoles at 8 p.m. EST on Saturday, Oct. 18. The game will be broadcasted on ABC.

PREDICTION: Notre Dame 34, Florida State 37

Want to see the Seminoles host the Fighting Irish in week eight? Check out ScoreBig for tickets.

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. You can also reach him at [email protected].