Predicting the Final Score of Notre Dame vs. Florida State
Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
This game has national championship written all over it. The only problem is the fact that it is being played in October and the loser’s chances of making the College Football Playoff will die quite a bit.
That’s what makes this top five matchup so intriguing.
What we have here is two quarterbacks who could win the Heisman taking the field. Florida State’s Jameis Winston, of course, had those honors last season. As for Notre Dame QB Everett Golson, well, he has had one heck of a comeback this season and looks poised to lead his team back to the national championship.
Although the Seminoles entered the year with arguably the most complete team on both sides of the ball, it is the Fighting Irish who are giving up just 17.2 points per game. Florida State is only a few points behind that mark at 20.7.
Switching over to the offensive end, Florida State is averaging 39 points per game. Notre Dame is averaging 34.5 points per game.
Like most college football games in this day and age, the QB who has the better game very well could lead his team to victory.
As good as the Irish have been this season, I have to give Winston the nod over Golson.
Notre Dame’s defense has clearly been good this season, but the Fighting Irish are coming off of a game where they gave up 43 points. In that game, Marquise Williams threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 132 rushing yards and one more score on the ground.
Who knows if Winston will be as productive, but he did win the Heisman Trophy last season; he is capable of a big game. So is Golson.
In the end, this could be the type of game that is settled by a last-second play.
Regardless, FSU has the huge advantage of playing at home.
Prediction: Notre Dame 24, Florida State 30
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