Notre Dame vs. Florida State Will Be Decided By Quarterback Play

By Gabrielle McMillen @GabbyMcMillen on October 16, 2014

It’s always going to be an exciting game when two top five teams are set to face off. The matchup between No. 2 Florida State and No. 5 Notre Dame will prove to be extra intense, given the circumstances of the Fighting Irish’s five suspended players and the Seminoles’ Jameis Winston, many whom believe should be suspended. Both teams are undefeated. Both teams want a berth in the College Football Playoff. However, does the depleted Fighting Irish team stand a good chance against Winston and the Seminoles? The answer is absolutely, depending on how their quarterback plays.

When Everett Golson is at the top of his game, he is darn good. Skeptics will be quick to point out that he turned over the ball nine times during Notre Dame’s last three games, but those are mistakes that can be corrected easily. Golson is quicker and more agile than the Seminole defense, which has struggled against running quarterbacks this season.

The fact that Golson can throw and run makes him a viable threat to Florida State. If he can hold on to the ball and prevent turnovers, the Seminoles will have a hard time slowing him down and defending their territory. The Florida State defense also needs to be aware of Golson’s new No. 1 man, William Fuller. He has 504 yards and seven touchdowns to his name. However, if Golson commits any turnovers, Florida State will capitalize on that and make sure that the ball is returned for points.

In the meantime, the Notre Dame defense should focus on Rashad Greene, who is a target favorite of Winston. Greene has 23 catches and 337 yards on the season. Winston also has tight end Nick O’Leary on his side, who will also be a target of Notre Dame’s defense. Even though the Irish’s defense is at the top of its game, Winston is known to stay cool under pressure. He has completed 67 percent of his passes thus far this season. For Winston to falter, the Irish defense must hit him where it hurts: his receivers.

Another factor for the Irish to consider is whether Winston will be playing at all. If he is not, the Seminoles are in trouble. They barely made it out with a win against Clemson when Winston sat out. The Irish are a more formidable opponent, and Florida State might not survive this time if Winston is suspended for the game.

Ultimately, the quarterbacks will be the deciding factor in which team wins this game. If Winston plays, Golson cannot be any less than perfect. Even if Winston doesn’t play, Golson cannot stick with his recent turnover trend. If he is perfect, the Irish will win this matchup.