For the second year in a row, the Florida State Seminoles play a marquee game versus a good opponent. Last year Florida State opened up against Notre Dame in a thrilling back and forth until the end.
However, Florida State will take on a rebuilding LSU program with elite talent. LSU has had great results against schools from the state of Florida. LSU is 11-3 against Florida schools since 2010, with Florida being the only team to beat them.
Will a rebuilding FSU team be able to knock off LSU? Well, we will find out on Sunday night.
Florida State have been known to play up to their competition.
LSU Tigers
It wasn’t that long ago where LSU had one the greatest football teams ever symboled. Unfortunately, In just 3 short years since their national title run the entire program has be gutted.
With that being said, a new era of LSU football begins on Sunday with former Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly leading the way.
The Tigers will enter Sunday’s game with a new quarterback at helm. Fortunately, projected starter Jayden Daniels comes in with a ton of experience. Daniels complete 65% of his passes at Arizona State before transferring in.
However, Daniels threw only 10 touchdowns but also threw 10 interceptions in 2021. His competition for the job is Louisiana native Garrett Nussmeier. Nussmeier doesn’t have a ton of experience but he has potential to be great.
As we know, Coach Brian Kelly is very tough on his quarterbacks and gives them a very short leach. There shouldn’t be any surprise if both quarterbacks see a lot of action on Sunday.
As for the defense, the Tigers have a very aggressive front that is led by edge rusher BJ Ojulari. Ojulari is coming off a great 2021 season. The talented edge rusher logged 11 sacks and 16 total tackles for loss.
Moreover, this LSU defensive lines will be amongst the best in the country. In Sunday’s game, the LSU front will be the difference in this game.
Florida State Seminoles
The Noles come into Sunday’s game undefeated. Last week, Florida State dismantled their FCS opponent in dominant fashion. now, on to the real week 1 game.
In what could be a defining season for head coach Mike Norvell, a win over a prominent SEC opponent like LSU is a great start. Florida State finished last year 5-7 with 4 of the 7 losses being only by 8 points or less.
For that reason, the Noles have a shot to start the season 2-0. Returning quarterback Jordan Travis is will be leaned on heavy to make the play need in and outside the pocket if the Notes hope to win.
The one knock on FSU is their offensive line. Travis, a very mobile quarterback, was sacked 25 times in 2021. Against a defense front like LSU, Travis could be running for his life.
However, FSU seemed thin at the skilled positions in 2021 but in 2022 that won’t be the case. The Noles will have a few key players on offense that will have to be game changers on Sunday.
Outside of Travis, returning running back Treshaun Ward will be essential on Sunday. He lead the three headed monster backfield with 127 yards in week 0.
Oregon transfer running back Trey Benson adds size to the Noles backfield. At 6’1, Benson rushed for 107 yards against their FCS opponent. At receiver, Arizona State transfer Johnny Wilson is a mismatch nightmare.
Wilson is 6’7 235 pounds and moves very well for a big receiver. It won’t take long for Wilson to become Travis’s favorite target on Sunday.
Additionally, FSU’s defense will be somewhat limited on Sunday without linebacker Amari Gainer. Gainer was injured in week 0 and was said to be a question mark for Sunday’s game.
Also, FSU will have two new starting edge rushers against LSU. The possibility that LSU test the edge of the FSU defense is high.
Prediction:
Florida State: 31
LSU: 28
Although LSU is in the SEC, Florida State tend to play up to their competition. If last years performance against Notre Dame was any indication, Florida State has great potential to be good in 2022.
FSU might be rebuilding still but LSU is rebuilding as well. The Noles are more familiar with the offense and the players they have.
In a team sport, knowing your teammates and how they play is more important than just having good players.